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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Technology for health and human services

National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Improving Rural Health Through Telehealth-Guided Provider-to-Provider Communication
Examines the effectiveness of rural provider-to-provider collaboration through the use of telehealth based on a systematic review of rural provider-to-provider telehealth (RPPT) and the results of a workshop of rural health experts. Discusses uptake of different types of telehealth, benefits of provider-to-provider telehealth for rural patients, barriers and facilitators to implementation and sustainability, and limitations of studies examining rural telehealth.
Author(s): Mary Wakefield, Jayashri Sankaranarayanan, Joanne Mather Conroy, et al.
Citation: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2022
Date: 12/2022
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2022 Communications Marketplace Report
Examines the state of competition across the broader communications marketplace, as well as laws, regulations, regulatory practices, or marketplace practices that pose a barrier to competitive entry and expansion of the marketplace. Identifies an emerging set of issues and opportunities presented by changes made in response to COVID-19. Includes data on tribal and rural areas throughout, including trends in broadband adoption and the percentage of households with multiple provider options between 2018-2021.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Federal Communications Commission
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Distance Learning and Online Coordination of Service in Pennsylvania's Rural School Districts
Examines the barriers rural Pennsylvania schools experienced in providing their communities with essential nonacademic services during COVID-19 pandemic closures. Analyzes information from rural school district websites, planning documents, superintendent surveys and interviews, and focus groups with constituents to understand needs around mental healthcare, professional development, internet and computer access, staff shortages, and more.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Gerald LeTendre, Peggy Schooling, Hansol Woo, Meredith Bannon, Josh Almes
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
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FCC's National Broadband Map: Implications for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
Provides an overview of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband mapping activities. Describes the November 2022 National Broadband Map and its implications for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was created to provide broadband service to unserved locations. Discusses potential implications of inaccurate data in the National Broadband Map and challenges to the accuracy of the map, as well as considerations for Congress.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2021: Telehealth Recommendations
Offers policy recommendations related to Maryland's Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2021, including recommendations related to provider options to deliver care via telehealth, audio-visual and audio-only delivery, remote patient monitoring, hospice care services, inpatient care, patient privacy, and reimbursement levels.
Author(s): Randolph S. Sergent, Ben Steffen
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Maryland Health Care Commission
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Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program: 2022 Grantee Directory
Provides contact information and brief descriptions for the 32 rural health networks funded by the Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network (RPHWTN) program during the 2022-2025 grant period to expand rural public health capacity. Includes information by state and organization type as well as by program track for community health support, health IT and/or telehealth technical support, community paramedicine, and case management and/or respiratory therapy.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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Insights on Telehealth Use and Program Integrity Risks Across Selected Health Care Programs During the Pandemic
Presents a study of telehealth expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic and program integrity risks, including fraud, waste, and abuse. Offers a range of data on telehealth usage and programs
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organizations: Office of Inspector General (HHS), Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
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USDA's ReConnect Program: Expanding Rural Broadband
Provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ReConnect program, which provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to build and enhance broadband infrastructure in eligible rural service areas. Summarizes program details, funding allocations, the three rounds of awards, and funding awards by state. Compares the ReConnect program with other USDA broadband programs. Identifies issues that may impact the program's effectiveness, related legislation introduced in the 117th Congress, and potential policy options.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
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Broadband Availability vs. Adoption: Which Matters More for Economic Development?
Evaluates research on broadband availability and adoption in order to understand their relevance to economic development. Identifies impacts on business, employment, household and farm outcomes, and more. Highlights rural-specific studies and findings.
Author(s): Brian Whitacre, Roberto Gallardo
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: Southern Rural Development Center
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Broadband Impact on Education and Workforce during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Analyzes impacts of a mobile hotspot lending program in eight rural Tennessee counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides data on participant characteristics, interest in broadband subscription, and effects of COVID-19 on work productivity, school attendance, and academic performance. Describes policies and frameworks for the implementation of similar broadband access programs.
Author(s): Isabella Baxter, Sreedhar Upendram
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: Southern Rural Development Center
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