Open Learning and Rural Health in Australia

Abstract

PCF1 // In this paper, a case study of the development of the University Department of Rural Health, Tasmania (UDRH) is presented to demonstrate how an open learning approach is used as a strategy to address a particular rural health issue – the problem of sustaining a rural health workforce. The paper also demonstrates the importance of a partnership approach by describing the development of a close working relationship between the UDRH and the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). At the forefront is collaboration in the development of a network of Rural Health Teaching Sites in rural and remote Tasmania and the establishment of the Telehealth Tasmania Network. The aim is to provide an open learning approach to rural health education, training and research to achieve the goal of better health outcomes for rural and remote Tasmanians. //