Hardy. S
As the rural, regional and remote population ages, women will be highly represented in the older age groups. The appropriate management of these changes that accompany the menopause in increasing numbers of women has important implications for the delivery of health care. Health services and resources will need to be shaped to meet their needs and encourage active community participation.
Objective
The Jean Hailes Foundation rural and remote,
health professionals' resource project, encompasses a three-stage
development process to assist communities to meet local needs in the effective
delivery of menopause education and promote community
participation.
Outline
The process includes establishment of a rural steering committee, development
of an educational kit and a training module.
The kit aims to support and provide a comprehensive educational resource for health professionals. The kit will also encourage and support the involvement of key women in local communities as facilitators of the program.
Following development of the kit, training programs will be implemented for health professionals in rural and remote areas to increase usage and adaptability of the kit.
This project is a pilot in Victoria and is guided by a rural steering committee of 11 professionals. The program aims to be initiated nationally following an evaluation in late 2002.
Conclusion
This paper presentation will outline the needs of
rural and remote health professionals in delivering menopause education and why
this model of' train the trainer' and 'peer education'
will potentially promote sustainability and community
ownership.