Student Tracking Project
The Student Tracking Project is examining whether undertaking a rural or regional clinical placement influences a student's decision to subsequently take up work in a rural or regional area. This research aims to:
- Examine whether there is an association between rural student placements and subsequent work choices
- Identify factors that influence a student’s choice (or non choice) of working in a rural area
- Identify factors which impact on recruitment of health personnel to rural and regional locations
This type of research is important because it helps to identify factors that improve the experiences of students undertaking rural placements, and also provides information that assists in recruiting and retaining health personnel in rural and regional areas.
Since 2004 students who undertake placements in the Greater Green Triangle region have been invited to participate in this research project. Students are asked if they are willing to participate in the study by completing a survey at the end of their placement and a follow-up survey one year after their graduation. The survey asks questions about their experience of rural areas prior to placement; their placement experience; and about their current occupation and professional aspirations.
The survey study commenced in 2004 and will finish in 2007. The results of this survey will be available in a report in early-2008.