Partnerships in Learning: The Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Programme in Aged Care Services Pilot Site Evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perspectives of University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) clinical educators and partner aged care provider managers involved in the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Aged Care pilot programmes, and to identify the barriers, enablers and context-specific strategies that supported the establishment of nursing and allied health student placements in rural and remote aged care settings. SETTING: Five pilot sites were established through RHMT Aged Care Service Grants in partnership with aged care providers across New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve participants, including nine UDRH clinical educators (CEs) and three partner aged care service managers, supported student placements at four of the five pilot sites. DESIGN: Qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: Three interdependent themes were identified: (1) engaged partnership; (2) creating a learning environment that benefits everyone; and (3) adapting to the local context. Participants valued strong relational partnerships, role clarity and the CE role. While perceived benefits to students, services and staff ensured buy-in to the value of creating a learning environment through placements. Feasibility required local adaptation to challenges, such as service capacity and workforce pressures. CONCLUSION: Rural aged care placements are feasible and valuable when supported by strong academic-provider partnerships, perceived benefits for everyone through establishing learning environments, and context-sensitive implementation. These findings offer practical guidance for implementing aged care placements in rural settings, while highlighting the need for further research into student, staff, and resident outcomes.