Two Fraser Coast academics who are delivering an innovative education program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health practitioners across the Wide Bay region will present their research at an international nursing conference next week.

Senior Lecturer in Nursing Dr Julie Martyn and Lecturer in Nursing Sam Walsh will share learnings from the “Continuing Education on Country” study with colleagues at the Australasian Nurse Educators Conference in Christchurch, from 28-30 September.

Dr Martyn and Ms Walsh have been delivering a targeted education program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Gayndah.

The project is funded by the Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network.

Dr Martyn, who is based at USC Fraser Coast, said it was the first education program of its kind specifically created to meet the educational needs of health practitioners and advance their career goals.

“The participants in this study identified the knowledge, skills and attributes required of an effective health care worker, and described the education and modes of delivery needed to create and deliver meaningful continuing education,” Dr Martyn said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health practitioners are vital to the health and well-being of their communities, and this self-determined program will result in improved service delivery.

“This conference is a valuable opportunity to discuss this research with New Zealand nurses who have vast experience in building Indigenous capacities in healthcare roles.”

Dr Martyn will also deliver a second conference presentation on her doctoral research recommending a rethink on the current framework for medication administration practices for registered nurses.

— Clare McKay