Overview
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) emphasises nurses’ pivotal role in preventing and managing chronic diseases for optimal health outcomes, especially in rural and remote communities where they often serve as the primary healthcare provider. There are many opportunities for nurses to play a greater role in chronic disease prevention and management in rural and remote settings. However, adequate investment is vital to ensure there are enough nurses based in rural and remote settings, with adequate education and support to lead and co-ordinate care.
Key recommendations
ACN recommends:
- Support plans to increase the number of nurses educated and employed in the rural and remote setting.
- Develop nurse leadership and support nurse leaders.
- Enable nurses to work to their full potential through support to embrace opportunities to meet the needs of rural and remote communities.
- Collect and disseminate evidence of the impact of nursing on access, quality and costs in rural and remote areas and ensure evidence is incorporated into policy and acted upon.
