Going Rural Health Goes Metro: Transporting Rural Pedagogy "Discussing Mental Health with Older Adults" to Speech Pathology, Clinical Psychology & Nursing

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Celebrating a workshop initiative co-developed with Going Rural Health (GRH) expanding to the metro MDHS! The Discussing Mental Health with Older Adults simulation-based interprofessional (IP) workshop, began in Mansfield, Beaufort-Skipton has expanded into the metro MDHS!  Bringing together Speech Pathology, Clinical Psychology and Nursing students for a simulation-based interprofessional (IP) workshop on Discussing Mental Health with Older Adults.

With GRH’s Associate Lecturer, Paula Collins, supporting the workshop preparation, the workshop was piloted by Speech Pathology Clinical Education Lecturer, Ana Lopez Flores, using the Workshop Guide co-developed with GRH and the Collaborative Practice Centre (CPC), structured around Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle "Prime-Apply-Reflect" model in a metro setting.

Students initially rated their confidence in initiating conversations about mental health with older adults at just 2–3 out of 5, identifying generational stigma, ageism and simply “not knowing how to start” as key challenges.

Students engaging with roleplay with senior citizen.

One student summed it up: "This was really well run, and great. Thanks so much! I have learned a lot and feel more confident going into these situations."

Another put it even more simply:  "I think this has been one of the best learning experiences that I have ever had so far in my Master's program."

The reflection debrief session, facilitated by Ana and Nursing Lecturer Philippa Marriott, showed how the learning continued to translate into clinical practice and beyond, with students identifying practical strategies they could carry into placement and everyday social settings. The strongest message was the value of interprofessional simulation and reflection in building confidence and practical skills.

Students at the workshop debrief.

Thank you to Ana, Philippa and all the students who engaged so openly and thoughtfully with a challenging topic.

Interested in bringing this model to your health service or course? Get in touch to learn more.

This initiative is proudly supported through the Department of Health Student Placement Support Program, which aims to increase the number of student placements and enhance placement experiences in mental health and AOD settings.