Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

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

Social Determinants of Health in the Age of COVID: Effects of Social Isolation Among Adults 62+ in Rural Pennsylvania
Results of a study analyzing the extent of social isolation among rural Pennsylvanians aged 62 or older during the pandemic, evaluating determinants of social isolation, identifying programs and services that minimize social isolation, and assessing potential replicability in Pennsylvania. Includes sections on factors such as mental health access, faith-based organizations, transportation, technology use, and housing options.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Author(s): Christopher Harris, FangHsun Wei, Mary Rita Weller, Kelly Smith
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Pennsylvania
view details
National Rural Health Day Webinar: CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care
Recording of a November 15, 2022, webinar providing an overview of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated Communities. Discusses the CMS Framework for Health Equity and identifies other rural health resources, including other recent CMS rural health reports.
Additional links: Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 11/2022
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
view details
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Statewide Broadband Plan
Outlines goals and strategies to expand broadband access to rural and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. Describes importance of broadband in providing adequate, reliable emergency services, and enhancing tools to ensure access to healthcare services.
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
view details
Aiming For 'Real and Accessible': EMS Simulations Give Rural Providers Hands-On Experience
Describes how simulation training is helping rural emergency medical services providers prepare for a variety of situations. Discusses the use of mobile simulation facilities and virtual reality, and features programs in Colorado, Maine, and Nebraska.
Author(s): Gretel Kauffman
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
view details
Bringing Community Voice into Cross-Sector Data Sharing: Supporting Aging Populations in Rural Utah
A case study that discusses a partnership between healthcare and social care entities involved with the Learning and Action in Policy and Partnerships (LAPP) initiative to implement data sharing and patient record digitization. Discusses the impact on senior care in rural Utah to improve data sharing that is culturally appropriate for tribal populations.
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Health Care Strategies, Data Across Sectors for Health
view details
Geospatial Analysis of Access to Health Care and Internet Services in the US
Study examining access to healthcare and internet services based on 2015-2019 American Community Survey data. Discusses implementations of findings for telemedicine expansion and the need for improved internet access to address rural-urban health disparities.
Author(s): Emefah C. Loccoh, Amanda Nguyen, Gaeun Kim, Haider J. Warraich
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 5(11), e2243792
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
view details
CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities
Report outlines the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plan for improving health equity and health outcomes across the U.S. for rural, tribal, and geographically isolated communities. Details a 6 priority framework emphasizing the application of a community-informed geographic lens; the collection and use of standardized data; support for healthcare professionals; the optimization of medical and communication technology; the expansion of access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, benefits, and services and supports; and innovation and value-based care. Highlights examples of activities CMS is undertaking in support of each priority and recent CMS efforts that align with each priority.
Date: 11/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
view details
Broadband: USDA Should Set Performance Goals and Improve Fraud Risk Management for Funding Program
Provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect program, which awards grants and loans to provide broadband service in rural areas. Analyzes ReConnect award and application data from 2018 through 2021 to examine the program's performance goals and alignment with selected leading fraud risk management practices. Offers recommendations to USDA on ReConnect's performance goals and fraud risk management.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
view details
Majority of Households in the Island Areas Own a Computer and Have Broadband Internet
Presents findings from the 2020 Island Area Censuses (IACs) on computer and broadband internet access in U.S. island territories. Breaks down data by island and shows changes since the 2010 Census. Discusses the 2020 IAC questionnaire and offers a variety of data comparisons.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Census Bureau
view details
Rural Students' Access to the Internet
Provides percentages of students who have access to fixed broadband by city, suburban, town, and rural locale, which is further broken down by fringe, distant, or remote areas. Includes discussions of related broadband issues such as influences of poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 10/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Education Statistics
view details