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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Observation Care Services for Medicare Beneficiaries in Rural Hospitals: Policy Issues and Stakeholder Perspectives
Seeks to provide a greater understanding of rural-specific issues surrounding hospital outpatient observation status and the related implications for rural hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and Medicare beneficiaries. Results are based on a multi-state, qualitative analysis of input from three respondent groups: state hospital associations, long-term care ombudsman offices, and Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). Analysis focuses on the use of observation status by Medicare beneficiaries from 2010-2013.
Author(s): Walter Gregg, Samantha Mills, Yvonne Jonk
Date: 10/2014
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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How EMS in Rural Methow Valley, Washington, Coped with a Devastating Wildfire
Describes the emergency medical service (EMS) response in the aftermath of a wildfire, in which patients and providers were cut off from hospitals, 911 coverage, and power. Shows the importance of advanced preparedness and planning by rural EMS agencies.
Author(s): Cindy Button
Citation: JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services), 39(10), 46-9
Date: 10/2014
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Translating and Testing the ENABLE: CHF-PC Concurrent Palliative Care Model for Older Adults with Heart Failure and Their Family Caregivers
Reports on an evaluation study to determine the feasibility and satisfaction of converting a cancer-focused concurrent palliative care (PC) intervention into early PC for rural patients with a diagnosis of heart failure.
Author(s): J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, Alan Kono, Jennifer Frost, et al.
Citation: Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17(9), 995-1004
Date: 09/2014
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The Impact of Hospital Obstetric Volume on Maternal Outcomes in Term, Non-Low-Birthweight Pregnancies
Analyzes the impact of hospital obstetric volumes on maternal outcomes in low-risk women delivering non-low-birthweight infants at term. Includes hospital obstetric outcome data by rural and non-rural settings and hospital volume category. Compares rural and non-rural hospitals on maternal outcomes and characteristics.
Author(s): Jonathan M. Snowden, Yvonne W. Cheng, Cathy L. Emeis, Aaron B. Caughey
Citation: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212(3), 380.e1-380.e9
Date: 09/2014
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Rural Parents' Perceived Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Services for Their Children: Development and Evaluation of a New Instrument
Discusses the effectiveness of a research tool to measure perceptions of stigma by parents living in rural Appalachia regarding the provision of mental health services for children with psychosocial issues.
Author(s): Stacey L. Williams, Jodi Polaha
Citation: Psychological Assessment, 26(3), 763-773
Date: 09/2014
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Responding to Medical Surge in Rural Communities: Practices for Immediate Bed Availability
Describes strategies and practices that enable local health departments and healthcare organizations serving rural areas to assist their communities during emergencies resulting in medical surge. Explores ways to ensure adequate levels of care for all patients, including telehealth services and integrated information sharing systems.
Date: 09/2014
Sponsoring organization: National Association of County and City Health Officials
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Feasibility of a Community Intervention for the Prevention of Suicide and Alcohol Abuse with Yup'ik Alaska Native Youth: The Elluam Tungiinun and Yupiucimta Asvairtuumallerkaa Studies
Evaluates the viability of a community intervention model to prevent suicide and alcohol abuse within the youth population of two remote Alaska Native communities. Compares the implementation strategies and the available resources within the two settings, and discusses the differences in outcomes.
Author(s): Gerald V. Mohatt, Carlotta Ching Ting Fok, David Henry, People Awakening Team, James Allen
Citation: American Journal of Community Psychology, 54(1-2), 153-169
Date: 09/2014
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Trends in Emergency Department Visits, 2006-2011
Provides data on changes in emergency department (ED) visits from 2006 to 2011. Table 1 includes information on the rate of ED use for rural areas compared to urban.
Author(s): Halcyon G. Skinner, Janice Blanchard, Anne Elixhauser
Date: 09/2014
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Controlling Hypertension: Focusing on "Why" Makes "How" a Lot Easier
Overview of a quality improvement project initiated by a group of 5 small rural practices and designed to improve the outcomes of patients with hypertension.
Author(s): Jennifer L. Brull
Citation: Family Practice Management, 21(5), 23-27
Date: 09/2014
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Challenges of Hepatitis C Treatment in Native Americans in Two North Dakota Medical Facilities
Describes the experiences of two medical facilities located in North Dakota when treating Hepatitis C virus among American Indians or Alaska Natives (AIANs).
Author(s): Sarah Hossain, Sajid Jalil, Dubert Guerrero, Abe Sahmoun
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 14(3), 2982
Date: 09/2014
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