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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Variability in General Surgical Procedures in Rural and Urban U.S. Hospital Inpatient Settings
Analyzes rural and urban variations in frequently performed inpatient surgical procedures that could be handled by general surgeons rather than subspecialists.
Author(s): Mark P. Doescher, J. Elizabeth Jackson, Meredith A. Fordyce, Dana C. Lynge
Date: 02/2015
Sponsoring organization: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
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Use and Performance Variations in U.S. Rural Emergency Departments: Implications for Improving Care Quality and Reducing Costs
Illustrates the utilization and performance of emergency departments (EDs) across the urban/rural spectrum for non-emergency health conditions. Identifies and discusses the potential risk factors that may impact ED use for non-emergent healthcare.
Author(s): Yvonne Jonk, Marilyn G. Klug, Gary Hart
Date: 02/2015
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Reform Policy Research Center
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Factors That Predict Financial Sustainability of Community Coalitions: Five Years of Findings from the PROSPER Partnership Project
Investigates the PROSPER (PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) partnership model developed to evaluate the level of sustainability funding by community prevention teams and the factors that impact sustainable funding. Study took place in 14 rural communities and small towns where community teams selected, implemented, and sustained evidence-base programs focused on reducing substance misuse, and promoting positive youth and family development.
Author(s): Mark T Greenberg, Mark E Feinberg, Lesley E Johnson, et al.
Citation: Prevention Science, 16(1), 158-167
Date: 01/2015
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Adherence and Delivery: Implementation Quality and Program Outcomes for the 7th Grade Keepin' It Real Program
A study to determine how the implementation quality of a drug and alcohol prevention program specific for rural middle school adolescents can affect desired results. Seventh grade students from 25 schools in rural Pennsylvania and Ohio participated in the keepin' it REAL prevention program. Variables used to evaluate the program included adherence to the curriculum, teacher and student engagement, and a rating of teacher delivery quality.
Author(s): Jonathan Pettigrew, John W. Graham, Michelle Miller-Day, et al.
Citation: Prevention Science,16(1), 90-99
Date: 01/2015
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West Virginia University Pediatric Stroke Registry: Clinical Description and Risk Factors Identification in Patients Living in a Rural Area
Describes the development of a custom database via a retrospective chart review to create a pediatric stroke registry at West Virginia University to support the classification and description of clinical and radiographic characteristics of children with stroke in West Virginia.
Author(s): Paola Pergami, Sathees Waran Thayapararajah, Nirupama Seemaladinne
Citation: Clinical Pediatrics, 54(1), 40-46
Date: 01/2015
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Rural/Urban Residence, Access, and Perceived Need for Treatment among African American Cocaine Users
Reports findings from a study based on surveys from 400 adult African American cocaine users, half from 2 rural counties and half from 1 urban county in Arkansas. Discusses participants' perceived need for drug use treatment, factors predisposing treatment, and socioeconomic factors that enable or discourage treatment.
Author(s): Tyrone F. Borders, Brenda M. Booth, Katharine E. Stewart, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 31(1), 98-107
Date: 01/2015
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Fatalistic Beliefs and Completion of the HPV Vaccination Series Among a Sample of Young Appalachian Kentucky Women
Details a study based on surveys of women in rural Appalachian regions of Kentucky who have started the HPV vaccination regarding their perceived level of control over their health and, specifically, cervical cancer. Discusses the possible effect of fatalistic beliefs on rates of completion of all 3 doses of the HPV vaccination.
Author(s): Robin C. Vanderpool, Emily Van Meter Dressler, Lindsay R. Stradtman, Richard A. Crosby
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 31(2), 199-205
Date: 01/2015
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Rural Health Clinic Readiness for Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition: Preparing for the Evolving Healthcare Marketplace
Discusses the results from a survey of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that identified their capability to be eligible as a NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and examines the need for technical assistance and support of RHCs in the development of the PCMH model.
Additional links: Research & Policy Brief
Author(s): John Gale, Zach Croll, David Hartley, Andrew F. Coburn
Date: 01/2015
Sponsoring organization: Maine Rural Health Research Center
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The Need to Reform Medicare's Payments to Skilled Nursing Facilities Is as Strong as Ever
Compares payments made to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and costs over time to see if changes made by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to the payment system have improved payment accuracy. Table 3 and Table 4 compare healthcare facility characteristics, including rural location.
Author(s): Carol Carter, Bowen Garrett, Doug Wissoker
Date: 01/2015
Sponsoring organizations: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Urban Institute
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Nurse Staffing Levels and Quality of Care in Rural Nursing Homes
Examines the relationship between nurse staffing levels (registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and certified nurse aide hours per resident per day) and the quality of care in rural nursing homes. Includes data for hospital-based facilities and freestanding nursing homes.
Author(s): Peiyin Hung, Michelle Casey, Ira Moscovice
Date: 01/2015
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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