Ms Kylie Fischer1
1Torres And Cape Hospital And Health Servie, , Australia
Biography:
Ky is an experienced clinician-educator and emerging health researcher with a strong interest in improving care delivery in rural and remote settings. With a background spanning acute care, primary health, and workforce development, Ky focuses on building capability, strengthening clinical leadership, and supporting culturally safe practice. Their research interests centre on health equity, service improvement, and translating evidence into practical solutions for frontline clinicians. Ky has contributed to multiple collaborative projects across multidisciplinary teams and is committed to fostering a learning culture that empowers clinicians and enhances patient outcomes. They are passionate about creating sustainable, community-centred healthcare models.
Abstract:
Background
Children living in rural and remote Australia experience disproportionately higher rates of burn injury, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes compared to their metropolitan counterparts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are significantly overrepresented in these statistics, often sustaining more severe burns. While evidence-based interventions such as cool running water and early debridement significantly improve recovery, geographic isolation and workforce limitations often impede optimal treatment in remote regions.
Methods
This mixed-methods study engages clinicians across five rural Queensland Hospital and Health Services, Queensland Ambulance Service, and Retrieval Services Queensland. Phase 1 utilised a REDCap survey to map current models of care and identify clinician-perceived barriers and enablers. Phase 2 will employ the Evidence-informed, Experience-based Co-design (E2CD) framework through semi-structured interviews.
Results.
Expected outputs include a mapped model of care, an evidence-informed list of barriers and enablers, and a set of co-designed strategies tailored to the rural and remote environment.
Conclusion
This study addresses a critical evidence-practice gap in the acute care of paediatric burns in remote Queensland. By elevating the perspectives of the rural workforce, findings will inform future education, policy, and system-level initiatives aimed at advancing health equity and improving clinical outcomes for children in geographically isolated communities