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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Iowa

Geographic Expansion of Medicaid Managed Care Organizations: Assessing Access to Primary Care in Nonmetropolitan Counties
Presents a study on primary care access for Medicaid beneficiaries in nonmetropolitan counties who were enrolled through managed care organizations (MCOs) from 2012 to 2018. Details the level of access to primary care in the nonmetropolitan counties of 15 states and compares the rates of access for beneficiaries enrolled through MCOs established before 2012 and after 2012. Discusses findings and makes recommendations for policy makers.
Author(s): Linda Li, Matthew Najarian, Abigail R. Barker, et al.
Date: 03/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Pesticide Exposure and Incident Thyroid Cancer Among Male Pesticide Applicators in Agricultural Health Study
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
Type: Document
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Bright Spots: Case Studies in Innovative Rural Healthcare
Profiles 8 rural healthcare facilities and communities that successfully addressed issues regarding access to healthcare and explores commonalities across the case studies. Describes how these initiatives optimize leadership, cultural transformation, data utilization, rural maternity care, and external partnerships.
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: A&M Rural and Community Health Institute
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Factors Affecting Access to Dental Care for Seniors in Rural Iowa
Poster presentation describing persistent barriers to dental care for seniors in rural Iowa. Describes how I-Smile Silver and an Area Agency on Aging work to address these barriers.
Author(s): C. Rupp, P.C. Damiano
Date: 2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
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Rural Disparities in Surgical Care from Gynecologic Oncologists Among Midwestern Ovarian Cancer Patients
Compares the surgeries of 1,003 rural and urban women between 18 and 89 with ovarian cancer between 2010 and 2012 in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa with particular focus on access to gynecologic oncologist specialists. Discusses referral practices, distances to specialists, and outcomes of surgeries with specialists compared to non-specialists.
Author(s): Kristin Weeks, Charles F. Lynch, Michele West, et al.
Citation: Gynecologic Oncology, 160(2), 477-484
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
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Iowa Board of Nursing Annual Report: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020
Provides an overview of the nursing workforce in Iowa as of June 2020. Includes county-level data on active Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, highest-level educational attainment for RNs, active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenses, and active Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARPN) licenses.
Author(s): Kathleen R. Weinberg
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Iowa Board of Nursing
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Rural Registered Nurses: Stories of Caring for Their Communities
Features five rural registered nurses from across the country describing their path to nursing, their accomplishments, and how they provide healthcare in their rural communities.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Success: Avera Holy Family Hospital, IA
Profiles the quality improvement efforts of Avera Holy Family Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital in rural Iowa. Discusses quality initiatives regarding the Emergency Department Transfer Communication (EDTC) measure, patient experience, and antibiotic stewardship.
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Stratis Health
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Development and Implementation of a Telenephrology Dashboard for Active Surveillance of Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Project
Explores a study on the use of telehealth for early detection and intervention in cases of kidney disease among rural veterans. Evaluates a telenephrology consultation program run by the VA Health Care System at a number of locations in rural Iowa.
Author(s): Melissa L. Swee, M. Lee Sanders, Kantima Phisitkul, et al.
Citation: BCM Nephrology, 21, 424
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
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Barriers in Accessing Dental Care for Rural Iowa Seniors
Examines barriers to dental care for rural Iowa seniors. Discusses barriers including financial concerns, perceived overall physical health, and geographic limitations.
Author(s): Mallory Obenauf
Date: 10/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Iowa Public Policy Center
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