Creating positive experiences in rural practice at the undergraduate level can influence allied health students' attitudes to working rurally. This study aimed to evaluate allied health students' experiences of their short-term, mediumterm, or long-term rural placement and to follow their career outcomes. Methods: The study used a mixedmethods design that utilised qualitative and quantitative data. Students from six allied health degree programs undertaking placements in Tamworth and Taree were invited to participate. Participation comprised of a series of surveys and an individual in-depth semi-structured interview. Results: 198 students completed 257 end-of-placement surveys as of June 2014, with 72.7% reporting an intention to work rurally after placement. Fifty-five percent (n=51) of the 92 students who had never lived in a rural area had a more favourable attitude towards working rurally following placement. After 1 year, 50% of graduates were working in a rural or remote location, compared to 23.7% of all graduates from these disciplines. Conclusions: Preliminary findings indicated a positive perception of the rural placement experience and impact on intention to work rurally or in a rural location, particularly from those who had not previously spent time in a rural area. Future directions are to investigate longer-term workforce outcomes and the impact on the rural health workforce.
History
Journal title
Journal of Allied Health
Volume
46
Issue
2
Pagination
79-87
Publisher
Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions
Language
en, English
College/Research Centre
Faculty of Health and Medicine
School
Department of Rural Health
Rights statement
The final publication is available at Association of Schools of Allied Professionals.