Indigenous participation in health sciences education: recent trends in the higher education sector

Abstract

The focus of the exploratory research detailed in this paper is on Indigenous participation in health sciences education and training. While there is evidence in recent years of increasing levels of participation in higher education in general by Indigenous students, until now it has been unclear to what degree that trend has carried over into the health fields. The research was undertaken in order to identify and analyse available data pertaining to Indigenous health training participation in higher education with an aim to assist policy makers in shaping workforce development efforts in the various health fields. The research articulates with a broad base of policy study, strategy and framework documents relevant to the continuing development of an Indigenous health workforce.