Improving the access to and delivery of palliative care for rural populations

About this project

Empower rural communities

If you are seeking to build a career in health services and are concerned about the care patients receive in rural and remote areas, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based Master of Research within IIMPACT in Health, in partnership with the Hospital Research Foundation. 

The objective of this project is to identify and develop resources addressing what is required to best support South Australians to access end-of-life (EOL) care that is preferred by and meaningful to patients and their carers who live in rural areas. 

This project will put the person (patient, family, carers) at the centre of the research, to identify palliative care needs and priorities, and to capture palliative care behaviours, experiences, and key moments that shape how and why patients and families from rural communities, make EOL decisions. This project will contribute to the improvement of access to and delivery of palliative care services in rural South Australia. In doing so, the research will serve to empower rural South Australians to access and navigate palliative care services and to have the practical skills needed to make EOL choices. 

What you’ll do

Through this project you will develop an in-depth knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, co-design, literature review, ethics, project management and interpersonal skills. 

Due to the collaborative nature of this project, you will also establish connections with academics, industry experts, community organisations and patients at the end of life, and you will learn about rural patients' palliative care needs and priorities, and palliative care systems and practices. 

You will also be given the opportunity to participate in local and national conferences (subject to travel and funding restrictions) and submit papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Where you’ll be based

You’ll be based within the IIMPACT in Health research concentration. Our vision is to enable and empower people with chronic conditions to reach their potential for recovery, independence and wellbeing. 

We will achieve this vision by impacting individuals, health service delivery, outcomes and education through strategic collaborations, bold ideas, outstanding research and exemplary communication. 

We work together with consumers and clinicians to identify real-world problems. 

We undertake qualitative, behavioural & neurophysiological experiments to find new solutions. 

We conduct clinical trials to test those solutions. 

We undertake implementation projects to optimise uptake of effective solutions and identify remaining problems Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a Master of Research. 

Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Degree in psychology, behavioural science, public health, allied health, or other health-related discipline
• Willingness to undertake some travel to rural areas

Applicants who can also demonstrate the following will be highly regarded:

• Experience working with rural communities and/or people in palliative care settings
• Knowledge and experience working with quantitative statistical programs such as SPSS, and qualitative or mixed methods

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City East campus in the heart of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025.