We’re pleased to share our recent publication in the Australian Journal of Rural Health, titled “An automated protocol for assessing career rurality outcomes of Australian health professionals using retrospective data.”
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajr.13053
In this study, we developed and tested a reproducible R-based workflow that links AHPRA registration records to Modified Monash (MM) classifications, enabling consistent tracking of University of Wollongong medical graduates (2010–2021) across their careers. Using this approach, we found that 25–30% of graduates were practising in MM2–7 rural and regional areas, with proportions remaining stable from postgraduate year 1 through year 12.
Our open-source method provides a scalable and low-cost alternative to traditional survey-based workforce tracking, using routinely available administrative data. The workflow can be adapted for other disciplines and institutions, offering a foundation for more consistent and comparable reporting of rural workforce outcomes across the health professions.
Moving forward, this protocol sets the stage for ongoing, real‑time evaluation of rural health workforce dynamics—supporting policy-makers, educators, and health planners in monitoring rural health professional distribution with greater accuracy and frequency. We hope our work sparks broader adoption of reproducible, registry-based analytics to inform targeted interventions, benchmark performance, and ultimately improve access to care across diverse Australian communities. We hope it contributes to national efforts to address rural health inequities and makes it easier for programs to assess their impact over time.
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