A retrospective descriptive analysis of community-engaged research projects improving rural health outcomes

Abstract Background: Most rural populations experience significant health disadvantages. Community-engaged research can facilitate the translation of scientific knowledge to improving their health status. Connecting scholars with community based frontline practices address local health and medical needs helps establish a robust pipeline for research that can inform community priorities. This study aims to provide an understanding of the health status of the local rural communities through community-engaged Rural Health Projects (RHPs) conducted as part of a Doctor of Medicine program. The RHPs identify issues of health concern, to then develop future localised solutions. Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of RHPs conducted between 2011 and 2021 in rural and remote Australian communities. Descriptive analyses were used to present RHP locations by their geographical classification and disease/research categorisation using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and the Human Research Classification System (HRCS) categories. Results: There were a total of 2806 eligible RHPs conducted between 2011 and 2021, predominantly in Queensland (n=2728, 97·2%). These were mostly conducted in small rural towns (under 5,000 population, n=1044, 37·2%) or other rural towns up to 15,000 population (n=842, 30·0%). Projects mostly addressed individual care needs (n=1233, 43·9%) according to HRCS categories, or were related to factors influencing health status and contact with health services (n=1012, 36·1%) according to ICD-10 classification. Conclusions: Conducting community focused RHPs demonstrates a valuable approach to foster improved rural health outcomes by engaging medical students in research projects while simultaneously enhancing their research skills.