RDN publishes findings on technology and connectivity issues in rural general practices and their impact on staff capability

RDN has had an article published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health titled ‘Prevalence of technology and connectivity issues in general practices in rural New South Wales and their impact on staff capability to perform their job’.

The article was developed following research conducted with 146 practice managers as part of the RDN Practice Manager Survey.

Authored by Margot Leeson-Smith from the University of Notre Dame, Dr Louise Geddes PhD, RDN Data Administrator Heath Johnson, Dr Sabrina Pit PhD, and RDN Knowledge Mobilisation Manager, Robyn Ramsden, the article found technology and connectivity issues were prevalent amongst Practice Managers working in rural and remote general practices in NSW. 

A key finding of this study was also that smaller practices (total GP and nurse headcount between 1-4) were more likely to have technology and connectivity issues that negatively impact staff’s capability to perform their job than larger practices (total GP and nurse headcount > 4).

The student who took part in the research formed part of RDN’s Embedded Research Program whereby students undertake research in an area of interest to them and RDN. Students identify a research question of interest and RDN staff become part of the student's supervision team so they can gain a greater understanding of the research process and the student receives subject matter expertise. 

Learn more:

Learn more about the Embedded Research Program in our Annual Report here and view the article in the Australian Journal of Rural Health here.