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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

The Landscape of Obstetric Resources and Risks in Indiana: A Framework for Informing Policy
Provides insight on access to obstetric care resources and infant or maternal health risk factors in Indiana communities. Presents a framework that can be used for targeting state and health system policy and planning by analyzing resources, such as obstetric providers and hospitals with obstetric services, and health risks. Includes a county-level map with breakdowns showing 4 levels of access to obstetric care services, 3 levels of maternal or infant health risks, and shadings to indicate rural counties.
Author(s): Hannah Maxey, Courtney Randolph, Sierra Vaughn
Date: 12/2019
Sponsoring organization: Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy
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Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios by U.S. Congressional District: Implications for Epidemiologic, Dissemination and Implementation Research, and Public Health Policy
Analyzes congressional district-specific mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) between 2011 and 2015 for all cancers and for cancers of breast, cervix, colorectal, esophagus, lung, oral, pancreas, and prostate cancers. Compares MIRs across regions, state Medicaid expansion status, race, and rurality. Discusses implications for policymakers and researchers.
Author(s): Jan M. Eberth, Whitney E. Zahnd, Swann Arp Adams, et al.
Citation: Preventative Medicine, 129(S), 105849
Date: 12/2019
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Access to Specialty Healthcare in Urban Versus Rural US Populations: A Systematic Literature Review
Surveys research between January 2013 – August 2018 on healthcare access, seeking clear definition and understanding of barriers to specialty care. Draws data from 67 peer-reviewed articles, presenting a conceptual framework based on common themes. Discusses issues of availability, perception, policy, stigma, and other access factors.
Author(s): Melissa E. Cyr, Anna G. Etchin, Barbara J. Guthrie, James C. Benneyan
Citation: BMC Health Services Research, 19, 974
Date: 12/2019
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Study Protocol of Coaching End-of-Life Palliative Care for Advanced Heart Failure Patients and Their Family Caregivers in Rural Appalachia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Describes a clinical trial to study an end-of-life palliative care program for heart failure patients in rural West Virginia. Discusses the prevalence of heart failure in rural Appalachia and the need for palliative care training for family caregivers.
Author(s): Ubolrat Piamjariyakul, Trisha Petitte, Angel Smothers, et al.
Citation: BMC Palliative Care, 18, 119
Date: 12/2019
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Access, Quality, and Financial Performance of Rural Hospitals Following Health System Affiliation
Examines the impact of health system affiliation on rural hospitals' quality and financial performance, as well as patients' access to care. Compares rural hospitals affiliated with a health system between 2008-2017 with those that did not affiliate with a health system.
Author(s): Claire E. O'Hanlon, Ashley M. Kranz, Maria DeYoreo, Ammarah Mahmud, Cheryl L. Damberg, Justin W. Timbie
Citation: Health Affairs, 38(12), 2095-2104
Date: 12/2019
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Challenges in Managing Acute Cardiovascular Diseases and Follow Up Care in Rural Areas: A Narrative Review
Explores the challenges of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) management and follow-up care in rural areas. Details access and workforce issues that make ACS care challenging in rural and remote areas.
Author(s): Sandra C. Thompson, Lee Nedkoff, Judith Katzenellenbogen, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(24), 5126
Date: 12/2019
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A Systematic Review of Rural-specific Barriers to Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the United States
Analyzes a number of studies looking at medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder in rural areas. Explores barriers to accessing MAT in rural areas and makes rural and urban comparisons.
Author(s): Jamey J. Lister, Addie Weaver, Jennifer D. Ellis, Joseph A. Himle, David M. Ledgerwood
Citation: The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Date: 12/2019
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Congestive Heart Failure-Related Hospital Deaths Across the Urban-Rural Continuum in the United States
Examines current trends in congestive heart failure (CHF)-related hospital deaths with an emphasis on rural-urban differences for each census region. 2009-2014 data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used, focusing on adult hospital admissions with CHF identified as the principal diagnosis. Results from this study may aid in identifying geographic areas needing interventions to improve access to care and to reduce CHF mortality.
Author(s): Kristin Primm, Alva O. Ferdinand, Timothy Callaghan, et al.
Citation: Preventive Medicine Reports, 16
Date: 12/2019
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Strategic Choice in Developing Telemedicine - Observations from Three Organizations
Discusses organizational considerations such as local and regional market conditions and economics for hospital systems incorporating telemedicine into their healthcare services. Features a literature review and results of interviews with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, the Mayo Clinic Center for Connected Care, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Explores challenges and plans for expansion of services to underserved areas.
Author(s): Thomas Vaughn, Fred Ullrich, Muska Nataliansyah, Keith J. Mueller
Date: 12/2019
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
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340B Drug Discount Program: Increased Oversight Needed to Ensure Nongovernmental Hospitals Meet Eligibility Requirements
Provides an overview of the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) review of 258 nongovernmental hospitals that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and their contracts with state and local governments. Evaluates the contracts to determine if they meet the eligibility requirement to serve low-income individuals. Outlines weaknesses in the Health Resources and Services Administration's review of the hospital contracts and offers six recommendations to improve the contract review process.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2019
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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