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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare quality

Exploring State Data Sources to Monitor Rural Emergency Medical Services Performance Improvement
Examines potential sources of data that State Flex Programs (SFPs) could utilize to analyze and improve rural emergency medical services (EMS). Discusses challenges facing rural EMS systems and the assessment of these systems by SFPs. Explores how SFPs can support rural EMS data collection initiatives.
Author(s): John Gale, Karen Pearson, Yvonne Jonk
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Hospital Compare Quality Measure Results for CAHs, 2018
Describes the rates at which Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) reported quality improvement measures in 2018. Reports state rankings based on reporting rates. Includes national CAH performance results of selected inpatient and outpatient quality measures. Contains links to state-specific reports.
Additional links: State Profiles
Author(s): Megan Lahr, Tongtan Chantarat, Ira Moscovice
Date: 03/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Val Verde Regional Medical Center Implements SMART ER
Describes Val Verde Regional Medical Center's (VVRMC) progress as part of the Small Rural Hospital Transition (SRHT) Project focused on care transitions and healthcare quality. VVRMC is a 47-bed hospital in Del Rio, Texas. Discusses how VVRMC collected data and implemented protocols to improve patient satisfaction.
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Resource Center
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A Best Practices Approach to Treating Maternal Hemorrhage
Provides an overview of how Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Texas, developed and implemented protocols to improve maternal hemorrhage outcomes. Discusses the impact and lessons learned from implementing the protocols as well, as future maternal health improvement goals at the medical center.
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Small Healthcare Provider Quality Improvement: Sourcebook, 2016-2019
Detailed descriptions of 32 rural quality improvement initiatives funded through the Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement grant program during the 2016-2019 grant period. Initiatives focused on enhancing chronic disease management, increasing patient and caregiver engagement, improving quality of care, and better health outcomes.
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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Williamson Health and Wellness Center: Williamson, WV
Highlights a Community-Driven Health Equity Action Plan as implemented by the Williamson Health and Wellness Center in West Virginia. Details the goals and focus of the program.
Additional links: Summary
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Gorge Health Equity Collaborative: Columbia Gorge Region, OR and WA
Presents a Community-Driven Health Equity Action Plan as implemented by the Gorge Health Equity Collaborative in Washington and Oregon. Highlights health and healthcare access of children and adults in the Columbia Gorge region.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy of Medicine
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Notes from the Field: Characteristics of Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions, 2012–2019
Reports on characteristics of the Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions in 2019. Champions were clinicians, practices, health centers, and health systems that achieved ≥80% blood pressure control rates among their patients with hypertension. Also includes information on the Hypertension Control Champions from 2012-2018. Provides counts for programs serving urban, rural, and both urban and rural locations.
Author(s): Matthew D. Ritchey, Judy Hannan, Hilary K. Wall, Mary G. George, Laurence S. Sperling
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 69(7), 196-197
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Patient and Hospital Factors Associated With Unexpected Newborn Complications Among Term Neonates in US Hospitals
Results of a study to examine the rates of severe, unexpected complications in full term newborns in 576 hospitals from January 2015 - December 2017. Explores whether rates vary significantly among hospitals and looks at risk factors and possible causes of variation. Features statistics on characteristics of mothers, hospitals, and delivery types, and median percentage of rural population in the counties where deliveries occurred.
Author(s): Mark A. Clapp, Kaitlyn E. James, Sara V. Bates
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 3(2)
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
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There's No Place Like Home: Home Health Care in Rural America
Recording of testimony by providers of rural home health care and representatives of home health and hospice organizations, in a hearing held by the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging on February 12, 2020. Addresses challenges including workforce shortages and limitations in Medicare coverage for needed services.
Additional links: Testimony of Francis Adams, Testimony of Leigh Ann Howard, Testimony of Warren Hebert, Testimony of William A. Dombi
Date: 02/2020
Type: Audio
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
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