Implementation of telehealth primary health care services in a rural Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

Dr Hannah Beks

qualifications: RN, MPH

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Research Fellow

Australia

As a values-driven health writer and rural health advocate, I have over a decade of experience in health care. My passion lies in using research evidence to address health inequities and support health care access.

Ms Fiona Mitchell

qualifications: GradDip Indigenous Research

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis and interpretation of data, Critical revision

position: Associate Research Fellow

Prof James Charles

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data, Critical revision

position: Director

Assoc Prof Anna Wong Shee

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Study conception and design, Critical revision

position: Associate Professor

A/Prof Kevin Mc Namara

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Study conception and design, Critical revision

position: Deputy Director

Prof Vincent Versace

qualifications: PhD

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision

position: Director

Professor Versace has resided in south west Victoria since the submission of his PhD in 2007 (he commenced in 2004). This degree was conferred in 2008 and his thesis was submitted on time and was accepted without change following review. Being geographically tied to an area with limited research possibilities has resulted in an early publication record that spans many disciplines. This changed in late 2012 when he joined Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health (GGT UDRH) in Warrnambool, which marked his move into population and public health research (GGT UDRH has since transitioned to Deakin Rural Health in 2016). Since 2013 he has co-authored over twenty peer-reviewed publications that include RCTs, observational studies, investigation of socio-cultural and rural disadvantage, patient health misperception and engagement strategies, study protocols, chronic disease screening, and program evaluation. Complementing his research is his active interest in supervising and mentoring students. He has supervised PhD projects to completion and provides support to medical students and registrars from a range of disciplines with their research endeavours.