In November 2012 a team of researchers from the University of Tasmania Rural Clinical School, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Institute of Regional Development and University Department of Rural Health visited every household on King Island to gain a better understanding how residents of such a remote community travel to get the healthcare they need.
Over 290 health related travel surveys were completed, which is approximately half of the households on King Island, and over 50 residents told us their individual stories. Research team members travelled the island by car, bicycle and on foot, and also manned the local town hall for residents to call in and complete the survey or tell their story.
The surveys were completed using iPads which allowed the data to be uploaded electronically each evening. With some results available immediately, the team were able to present these preliminary findings to the Community on the last evening.
Further analysis will be undertaken, before findings are presented to the local Community, and to THO-North West and Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services.
To hear ABC Northern Radio interview with Professor Isabelle Ellis (MP3 file size 1.57MB) click here;
To view media article in "The Advocate Newspaper" - 'Health Travel a Burden on KI' click here;
For further details contact: Professor Isabelle Ellis via email isabelle.ellis@utas.edu.au
Photo: Research team on King Island. Further photos can be found on our RCS facebook page
(File size 152kb)