James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

HS2401 - Rural and Remote Primary and Public Health Care

Internal mode available to all students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology programs. Also available to students in other programs through negotiation with the Subject Coordinator and College Dean. External mode available only to Bachelor of Dental Surgery students (73010 or 105310) or by negotiation with Subject Coordinator and College Dean.

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to the principles and practice of primary health care and public health in the rural and remote Australian context. Students will gain insight into the complex realities of rural and remote communities and delivery of health care to these populations. Students will consider the influences of history, policy, culture, economy, environment, geography, and demography change on the health of these communities over time. Students will be introduced to interdisciplinary teamwork environments and innovative models of care operating in rural and remote Australian communities. Concepts of community engagement and co-design, with a special focus on culturally diverse populations and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will also be explored. The content is applicable for health practice with rural and remote clients in urban or rural settings and contributes to fieldwork placement preparation.

Learning Outcomes

• analyse health data for rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian communities and outline the factors which contribute to these outcomes
• identify different models of primary health care delivery in rural and remote communities and key policy influences
• Examine rural and remote health workforce issues (including self-care) and the inter-disciplinary role of health professionals in these settings
• develop effective, culturally safe strategies for community engagement and co-design for working with diverse rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian populations

Subject Assessment

• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (35%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Scenario-based learning activity - (25%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 2 - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more; Submit all assessment pieces

Availabilities