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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health systems

Predictors of Mortality for Patients with COVID-19 in the Rural Appalachian Region
Examines patient mortality related to COVID-19 between April 5, 2020 to December 31, 2020 based on data from 13 facilities in the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system. Discusses aging population, comorbidities, and health-related behaviors common in rural populations that increase COVID-19 risks. Includes survival and mortality statistics broken down according to demographic and clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers, and treatments.
Author(s): Huzefa Bhopalwala, Nakeya Dewaswala, Sandhya Kolagatla, et al.
Citation: International Journal of General Medicine, 15, 2207-2214
Date: 02/2022
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Partnering to Improve Health and Wellbeing via Community Based Care Coordination in Rural Minnesota
Case study featuring Winona Health, an independent, community-owned, and vertically integrated healthcare system serving rural Minnesota. Describes efforts underway to address the social determinants of health in the community through the Winona Wellbeing Collaborative.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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High-Performing Rural Health System
Update to the September 2011 RUPRI Health Panel document "The High Performance Rural Health Care System of the Future." Describes affordable and accessible healthcare for all rural residents through a sustainable system delivering high quality, high value services. Defines pillars of accessibility, affordability, community health, and quality.
Author(s): Andrew Coburn, Alva O. Ferdinand, Alana Knudson, et al.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute Rural Health Panel
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Association Between Area-Level Socioeconomic Deprivation and Diabetes Care Quality in US Primary Care Practices
Results of a study examining the association between deprived and rural areas and optimal diabetes care, using data from patients who received care at Mayo Clinic or Mayo Clinic Health System primary care practices in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin in 2019. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban, rural, and highly rural areas.
Author(s): Shaheen Shiraz Kurani, Michelle A. Lampman, Shealeigh A. Funni, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(12), e2138438
Date: 12/2021
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Critical Access Hospitals' Initial Response to COVID-19 by System Affiliation
Summarizes results of a survey of Critical Access Hospital (CAH) executives in eight states regarding the initial response to COVID-19 through August 2020. Presents data by system-affiliated and independent CAH status. Discusses COVID-19 case volume, personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and the perceived impact of system affiliation status on facilities' overall response to COVID-19.
Author(s): Ira Moscovice, Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr
Date: 11/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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The Association Between System Affiliation and Financial Performance in Critical Access Hospitals
Examines the association between Critical Access Hospital (CAH) health system affiliation and financial performance as measured by the Critical Access Hospital Measurement and Performance Assessment System (CAHMPAS). Discusses trends in health system affiliation as an alternative to closures as well as potential downsides of affiliation.
Author(s): Laura Bozovich, Kathleen Knocke, George Pink, Ann Howard, Kristin L. Reiter
Date: 10/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Rural Montana
Profiles how St. Peter's Health - a health system in Helena, Montana - developed and implemented a parental support system to address gaps in postpartum mental healthcare. Discusses partnerships St. Peter's Health utilized to connect parents with community-based services and supports. Offers lessons learned and future goals for the program.
Date: 07/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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COVID-19 in a Rural Health System in New York – Case Series and an Approach to Management
Highlights the hub-and-spoke system implemented by a hospital in New York's largest rural county to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Draws data on COVID-19 patients from March to May of 2020, evaluates the system's efficacy, and explores the challenges of rural pandemic response.
Author(s): Eyal Kedar, Regina Scott, Daniel M. Soule, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 21(3), 6464
Date: 07/2021
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Strategies for Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Rural Health System in New York State
Describes the challenges of COVID-19 encountered by Bassett Healthcare Network (BHN), a network of 5 hospitals and 24 clinics located in rural upstate New York covering the healthcare needs of 5 counties. Presents four strategies in response to these challenges: expand the capacity of intensive-care; retrain and reposition employees into new roles; adopt a system providing rapid access to care and follow-up; and coordinate communication and decision-making with network administrators, employees, and other healthcare professionals.
Author(s): Jamie A. Aron, Alexander J.B. Bulteel, Kelsey A. Clayman, et al.
Citation: Healthcare, 9(2), 100508
Date: 06/2021
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Rural Initiatives Addressing Community Social Needs
Describes the role of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in improving population health and addressing social needs in their communities. Profiles two Critical Access Hospital social needs programs: Lakewood Health System's food access initiatives in Minnesota, and Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital's NEK Prosper. Provides an overview of both programs and highlights best practices of each.
Author(s): Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr, Ira Moscovice
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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