Learning Activities

1. View the following YouTube clips, What Does Medicare Cover? And What is the PBS and complete a KWL analysis. Facilitate discussion about how Medicare and the PBS improve equity of access to the healthcare system.

2. Divide the class into two groups and examine the following case studies. Groups may need to undertake their own research to answer the questions: 

Ann is a 65-year-old woman who has recently retired. She has been living with diabetes for several years and has experienced some complications in recent months. Ann lives in a rural area and her access to healthcare services is limited. She is eligible for Medicare and has been attending a local GP for routine check-ups, but now she needs to see a specialist. Ann is worried about the cost and wait times for the care she needs.

• How would Medicare support Ann in this situation?
• What are the challenges Ann might face in accessing healthcare services in a rural area?
• What are some possible solutions for improving access to healthcare for people like Ann in rural and remote areas?

Racquel is an Aboriginal woman living in a remote community in Western Australia. She has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is receiving treatment through her local healthcare services. Racquel faces numerous challenges in accessing regular care, including the distance to the nearest clinic and limited availability of healthcare professionals.

• What are the specific challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples face in accessing healthcare, especially in remote communities?
• How does the Australian government aim to address health disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples?
• What are some potential solutions for improving healthcare access and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples?

3. Each student will take on the role of a patient with a specific health condition related to rural and remote locations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples or individuals with a disability. 

Students can either pick a role or have roles assigned randomly. Students create a journey map that shows how their patient would move through the future healthcare system:

• Initial symptoms and diagnosis (use of AI and predictive analytics).
• Virtual consultations with healthcare providers.
• Integration of wearable devices for continuous monitoring.
• Accessing specialist care and mental health services.
• Interaction with community-based support (e.g. telehealth, home care).
• Students present their patient journey to the class in a creative format 

 (e.g. timeline, storyboard or digital infographic).

Revision Questions  

1. Describe the role of the healthcare system in Australia.

2. Analyse challenges faced by various groups in accessing healthcare services.

3. Justify the effectiveness of Medicare and the PBS in achieving equity of access to healthcare services.

4. Describe how the healthcare system in the future could better meet the needs of those in rural and remote locations.

5. Propose future strategies that the healthcare system could implement to support the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples OR individuals with a disability.

5. Evaluate the need for improvements to the healthcare system in Australia.

Sample Answers

Sample answers coming soon.