> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > October 2009 > WebsiteWatch

WebsiteWatch

Remote and Rural Transition Toolkit

Amy Hoffmann, PHC RIS
<www.sarrahtraining.com.au>

Developed by Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health Inc (SARRAH), this allied health web-based training package was funded by the Australian Government and launched in August 2009. Knowing that making the transition to rural and remote practice and life can be challenging, the toolkit is designed to help allied health professionals either working or contemplating working in rural and remote Australia.

The toolkit provides information on understanding the remote and rural context; opportunities and challenges of remote and rural allied health practice; vital skills and competencies needed; and an overview of some of the important elements contained within orientation, support and development.

An outstanding element of this toolkit is the five learning modules which focus on key issues in rural and remote practice including: self care; confidentiality and professional boundaries; cultural safety; translating evidence based practice; and introduction to primary health care. Each module takes about 20 minutes to complete and is designed to help improve knowledge of the key issue in question.

Another great feature is the stories from various clinicians working in rural and remote areas, from an occupational therapist providing outreach services to a remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia toa social worker working in regional Victoria. These stories are shared to give a picture of what life is like for allied health professionals working and living in rural and remote Australia.

The toolkit also provides many useful resources and links as well as a discussion forum available to all who access this fantastic resource.

yourHealth and the health reform reports

Ellen McIntyre, PHC RIS
<www.yourhealth.gov.au>

The yourHealth website allows Australians to provide their views to the Australian Government about options to improve the health system. Three key health reform reports were recently added to this website:

Building a 21st Century Primary Health Care System: A Draft of Australia’s First National Primary Health Care Strategy This Draft Strategy sets out a road map for the future – to provide Australians with a primary health care system which is among the best in the world and which is equipped to meet future challenges.

National Preventative Health Strategy - the roadmap for action. This provides a blueprint for tackling the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcohol.

A Healthier Future for all Australians. This is the Final Report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission