The evaluation was undertaken by Kristine Battye Consulting (KBC Australia) from mid-2019 to mid-2020.
The evaluation focused on assessing the extent to which the current design and delivery of the RHMT program is achieving the program’s aim of improving the recruitment and retention of medical, dental, nursing and allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia. The evaluation also considered the benefits to local health delivery from engagement in teaching and training through the program.
While the evaluation highlighted the complex and changing environment in which the program operates, overall it found that the program has been an appropriate response and important contributor to addressing rural health workforce shortages.
After 2 decades, there is a strong foundation for rural training and research in rural, remote and regional areas which is now considered routine.