Student-led pop-up health check clinics: innovative health prevention strategy for a low socioeconomic community
Nicole M. Coombs
A B * , Lauren Sewell C , Megan R. Jackson B , Kaye Borgelt C , Jessica Lee A and Joanne E. Porter B
A Federation University Australia, Institute of Health and Wellbeing-Nursing, Gippsland Campus, PO Box 3191, Gippsland Mail Centre, Churchill, Vic. 3841, Australia.
B Collaborative Evaluation & Research Group (CERG) Federation University Australia, Gippsland Campus, PO Box 3191, Gippsland Mail Centre, Churchill, Vic. 3841, Australia.
C Gippsland Primary Health Network, 11 Seymour Street, Traralgon, Vic. 3844, Australia.
Australian Journal of Primary Health - https://doi.org/10.1071/PY23034
Submitted: 28 February 2023 Accepted: 13 July 2023 Published online: 4 August 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
Abstract
Background: To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free ‘pop-up’ format within community settings.
Methods: A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes.
Results: The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations.
Conclusions: Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited.
Keywords: community clinic, evaluation, health checks, healthcare access, pop-up, prevention screening, primary health, student-led.
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