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Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
understand the rural environment and its relationship to mental health and wellbeing
discuss attitudes towards mental illness in the rural context
identify mental health matters from a lifespan approach
acknowledge the roles of rural generalist nurses/midwives and mental health specialists within interdisciplinary teams
understand that rural people are faced with particular challenges when accessing mental health information and services and recognise the specific needs of Indigenous Australians.
Key words
Interdisciplinary teams, mental ill-health, stigma, contemporary models of care, access and equity
Chapter overview
This chapter provides an overview of mental health and wellbeing in rural Australia. The narrative will be guided by a lifespan approach exploring health promotion, information, and access and equity with respect to mental health services for children, adolescents, youth, adults and older adults. The specific healthcare needs of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will also be addressed. The chapter covers current trends, models of care available to individuals experiencing mental ill-health, and the roles of generalist nurses/midwives, mental health clinicians and other interdisciplinary team members. Collectively, they aim to support rural healthcare users to help them achieve their individual goals, with additional support from family members and significant others.
By
Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide.,
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
describe and critique the division of labour in rural communities
discuss and critique employment opportunities in rural Australia
debate the impact of the mining boom on rural Australia
outline the major healthcare issues of working adults in rural Australia
explain the role and function of the nurse in providing health care to adults in rural communities.
Key words
Adults, rural, employment, division of labour, nurses
Chapter overview
The adult in rural settings is the focus of this chapter. In it we will discuss how employment openings present themselves as opportunities for adults to settle and grow in rural areas. According to Reimer (1997), informal social networks assist with gaining employment or developing employment opportunities in rural areas. Changes in kin and friendship relationships, divisions of labour and economic viability also impinge on rural employment. When economic factors threaten the viability of local employers, unemployment challenges arise – and these will also be discussed. Common health conditions and serious threats to wellbeing from either those employed or those not employed will be outlined. The central role of nurses in various practice settings and their interaction with the adult population will be weaved through the discussions.
Gender and work
More than one-third of Australians live in rural and regional areas (see Chapters 1 and 2). However, many rural areas are characterised by an ageing and declining population. Young people and families migrate to urban centres for improved work, education and lifestyle opportunities. Gender equality within rural areas enables women to become viable economic players in sustaining employment. Gender norms and patterns can be rigid in some countries; women are often placed in a disadvantaged position to men. Unequal pay, hours of employment and rights of the individual are all factors that contribute to such inequality (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2010). When women are equal contributing partners in a household, the health of that household increases, and women’s leadership and decision-making participation are also strengthened (FAO, 2010).
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
By
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University,
Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
describe an overview of the history and culture of the Australian population
discuss the statistics of the Australian population
describe the current health priorities for Australia
provide an overview of how health care is provided in Australia and how the various governments impact on health policy development
source how education of healthcare workers is provided in Australia.
Key words
Australia, health policy, population, healthcare worker, education provider
Chapter overview
This chapter provides background to the text. The Australian population, legislative frameworks and policies, health challenges and health priorities are described. A profile of the health workforce in Australia is included.
Background
Australia is an ancient island continent covering 7 682 300 square kilometres (Australian Government, 2013b and is the world’s sixth largest country (Tourism Australia, 2013a). The traditional peoples of this land arrived approximately 50 000 years ago from South-East Asia during the last Ice Age (Tourism Australia, 2013b). These peoples dispersed across the land, adapting their ways of life to accommodate the bounty offered and developing unique languages and cultures (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2013a). The Indigenous peoples established tribal lands and trade partners with neighbouring groups. Kinship ties were formalised as members of the neighbouring groups established relationships that bound tribes and clans together (Indigenous Australia, 2013).
Archaeological evidence suggests that the northern borders of Australia were regularly visited by traders from South-East Asia who contributed to the diversity of the Indigenous populations (ABS, 2013a). European sailors also visited Australia prior to Captain James Cook claiming Australia for England in 1778. Willem Janszoon travelled from Indonesia to Cape York Peninsula in 1606, and Dirk Hartog, another Dutch explorer, came ashore on the west coast of Australia in 1615 and probably interacted with local peoples. Hartog’s discovery of the ‘Great Southern Land’ led to its inclusion in world maps of the time and facilitated increased expeditions by other European sailors (Australian history, 2013).
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
By
Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide,
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University,
Melanie Birks, James Cook University
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
describe the features of a community profile and identify sources of data to inform this process
critically examine issues of access and equity in respect of health services
identify the information needed to inform prospective community planning
discuss the concept of burden of disease
appreciate the impact of contemporary communication systems on health outcomes.
Key words
Burden of disease, community profile, rural communities, rural nursing, midwifery
Chapter overview
Working effectively in any community requires understanding of the community. Such an understanding can be obtained through knowing the population demographics, resources and assets of that community. Together, these features make up a community profile that forms the basis for planning to address the burden of disease and inequity in health outcomes and accessibility to services in rural and remote areas. This chapter provides details of methods for building a community profile in which rural nurses and midwives work.
Community profile
A community profile is a summary of the community that is inclusive of the population, assets, resources and trends (social, political and economic) that provide baseline data (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2013b). These data provide the context for determining need, planning and assessing the impact of proposed initiatives (New Forest District Council, 2013). The community profile is harnessed by drawing on primary data that are generated through observations, stakeholder interviews, surveys, an inventory of services and facilities, and secondary data sources such as reports produced by local councils, businesses, the ABS census, workforce/labour and housing data, newspapers and other media communications (Community profiling, 2004; New Forest District Council, 2013). These data must be collated in a manner that is informative and useful. Developing community profiles is an iterative process that allows for new information to be included as it is isolated (Francis, Chapman, Hoare & Birks, 2013).
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
identify the unique needs of rural families in accessing health care
describe normal pregnancy care and recognise the importance of involving fathers in pregnancy and parenting
discuss child and family health, including immunisation targets
recognise vulnerable groups and specific care needs
identify the needs of children exposed to life-limiting illnesses.
Key words
Pregnancy care, paternal role, immunisation, life-limiting illness, vulnerable groups
Chapter overview
This chapter provides a snapshot of rural health care from the perspective of young families. It captures pregnancy care models, involvement of fathers in birthing and caring roles, the promotion of health and wellbeing in children, identification of vulnerable groups, and the support of children with life-limiting illnesses.
Introduction
Healthcare access and equity continue to be significant issues for rural Australians, particularly for women and their young families. The centralisation of services to regional, urban and metropolitan areas has led to enforced travel to access health care or, alternatively, reliance on intermittent outreach services to outlying communities. Thus, the health and wellbeing of this rural cohort require special consideration to ensure optimum health outcomes. Health service and professional regulatory authority reforms highlighted in previous chapters pose issues for rural nurses who are also midwives and for those who hold midwifery-only qualifications; these are further discussed in this chapter.
Pregnancy
In 2009, the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer, Rosemary Bryant, led a review of maternity services on behalf of the Federal Government. Subsequently, Improving Maternity Services in Australia: The Report of the Maternity Services Review was released following extensive consultation (Commonwealth of Australia, 2009). All contributors acknowledged that ‘safe, high-quality and accessible cared based on informed choice must be the goal’ (p. iii), with these factors being central to future policy development and implementation.
By
Ysanne Chapman, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide,
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
discuss various reasons for implementing research
describe the research process
identify methods for data generation and collection
list strategies for dissemination of research findings
discuss the implications of research for rural nursing practice.
Key words
Research, methodology, methods, dissemination, rural nursing and midwifery
Chapter overview
It is fitting that a chapter of this book considers the place of research in rural nursing. Research in health disciplines potentiates quality in healthcare delivery and can introduce new and effective evidence-based practices, consider the success and usefulness of health policies, or describe and comment on clients’ or patients’ experiences of particular phenomena. Initiating research may at times seem an overwhelming venture, and we hope this chapter will provide some insights into how to start. The authors have used a research study they undertook in 2007 with three other colleagues on overseas trained nurses’ experiences in rural settings as an exemplar to illustrate the approaches adopted to ask and answer questions of practice (Francis, Chapman, Doolan, Sellick & Barnett, 2008).
Introduction
Enquiry – asking questions of practice
Good research stems from a well-designed and articulated research proposal. The proposal is a snapshot that captures the depth and breadth of the research study and provides a frame of reference as researchers progress the research. Without a robust proposal, research can be fragmented, tangential or may never come to fruition. Initial ideas about a research project can be captured on a one-page document and diagram. This summary can be used to ‘sell’ the research idea to collaborators and provide a template to develop a proposal (see Figure 10.1).
By
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University,
Ysanne Chapman, James Cook University, Charles Sturt University, Monash University and the University of Adelaide,
Faye McMillan, Charles Sturt University,
Jane Havelka, Charles Sturt University
Karen Francis, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales,Ysanne Chapman, Central Queensland University,Carmel Davies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
discuss the implications for nursing practice in rural and remote Australia
describe the diversity of populations who reside in rural and remote Australia
appreciate the common health challenges of rural people at each stage of the lifespan
identify strategies for securing a sustainable nursing and midwifery workforce for rural and remote practice
isolate future opportunities for nurses and midwives working in rural and remote practice settings.
Key words
Rural and remote populations, culture, health status, nursing and midwifery, research
Chapter overview
The final chapter provides a précis of the book content followed by concluding remarks on the future of rural communities, the health workforce, and challenges and opportunities for nurses and midwives who wish to practise and advance their careers in rural settings.
Introduction
Understanding the nature and character of rural Australia and of the people who live there is a prerequisite for anyone contemplating practice in these contexts. The vastness of the land and the diversity of the populations who reside in it are reflective of the opportunities available. Nurses and midwives are the largest group of health professionals and the most evenly distributed throughout Australia (Francis & Mills, 2011; Health Workforce Australia [HWA], 2012). The contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of rural Australians is significant. Choosing to work in rural and remote Australia is a wise career option that affords opportunities to extend and advance practice that impacts positively on individuals, groups and communities.
In this chapter, we describe an effective procedure for working with MATLAB, and for preparing and presenting the results of a MATLAB session. In particular, we discuss some features of the MATLAB interface and the use of M-files. We describe how to write a simple loop as a precursor to a more robust discussion of MATLAB programming (in Chapter 6) that will enable you to make the most efficient use of M-files. We introduce the MATLAB publishing feature, which produces formatted output. It is the most effective method for presenting MATLAB results, although we also describe several alternate methods. Finally, we give some simple hints for debugging your M-files.
The MATLAB Interface
MATLAB's basic interactive interface, which launches when you start the program, is called the MATLAB Desktop. Embedded inside it is the Command Window that we described in Chapter 2.
The Desktop
By default, the MATLAB Desktop (Figure 1.1 in Chapter 1) contains four windows inside it, the Command Window in the center, the Current Folder Browser on the left, the Workspace Browser in the upper right, and the Command History Window in the lower right. Notice that if you minimize any of the latter three windows, then tabs appear that allow you to alternate between them.