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Do Place of Origin and Clinical Placement Locations Predict Regional, Rural and Remote Practice Among University of Tasmania Pharmacy Graduates?

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the place of origin and placement locations as predictors of non-metropolitan practice among domestic pharmacy graduates from the University of Tasmania (UTAS). METHODS: The 2023 principal place of practice (PPP) for all domestic UTAS pharmacy graduates between 2011 and 2022 was identified using the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (Ahpra) online registration database. The graduates' place of origin (home address at the time of course application), locations where they undertook placements, and their 2023 PPP were described using the Modified Monash Model (MM) classification system of remoteness. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of regional (MM2), or rural or remote (MM3-7) PPP. RESULTS: 329 domestic UTAS pharmacy graduates were practicing in Australia in 2023; 58.7% were working regionally and 13.1% in a rural or remote area. Predictors of a regional PPP included regional (aRR 36.32, 95% CI 7.88, 167.33, p < 0.0001) and rural or remote origin (aRR 24.96, 95% CI 4.73, 131.81, p < 0.0001), while the number of regional placements was inversely associated (aRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34, 0.82, p = 0.004). Rural or remote origin (aRR 26.53, 95% CI 5.50, 1.27.93, p < 0.0001) and undertaking any rural or remote placements (aRR 4.64, 95% CI 1.04, 20.79, p = 0.045) predicted a rural or remote PPP. CONCLUSIONS: Place of origin is foundational in building the future non-metropolitan pharmacy workforce. Improving opportunities for rural and remote origin students to access and complete pharmacy courses across Australia should be prioritised.
DOI: 10.1111/ajr.70118
Language: English
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416347167
FWCI:
Cites: 24
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