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Rural Health Information Hub

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

Providing Health Literate Virtual Health Services: Proceedings of a Workshop-in Brief
Summarizes 3 presentations and a panel discussion from a virtual public workshop held on September 23, 2021, by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Health Literacy, covering health-literate telehealth services. Discusses challenges and potential for health-literate telehealth, access, and resources available through the HRSA Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (OAT).
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Board on Population Health
Date: 02/2022
Sponsoring organization: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Patient Characteristics and Utilization of an Online Patient Portal in a Rural Academic General Internal Medicine Practice
Results of a study to identify characteristics of online patient portal users compared to non-users, and assess utilization through number of logons and portal messaging in an academic practice in rural New Hampshire. Features statistics including demographics, smoking status, incidence of chronic illness, and body mass index category.
Author(s): Stephen K. Liu, Annette E. Osborn, Sigall Bell, et al.
Citation: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 22(42)
Date: 02/2022
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Public-Safety Broadband Network: Congressional Action Required to Ensure Network Continuity
Provides an overview of the implementation progress of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) public-safety broadband network, including network coverage in rural and non-rural areas as of March 2021. Reviews FirstNet's statutory requirements and contract responsibilities Congress should consider before FirstNet's authority sunsets in 2027. Explores options to oversee and manage the network when this authority sunsets, as well as the associated operational implications and potential costs.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2022
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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A New Era of Health Literacy? Expanded Definitions, Digital Influences, and Rural Perspectives
Explores rural challenges to accessing health information that is clear and usable, with insights from experts. Describes recently expanded definitions of health literacy. Discusses digital health literacy and the importance of broadband access and digital health tools for rural residents.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 02/2022
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Michigan Health IT Roadmap: "Bridge to Better Health" Report
Reports on the work of the Michigan Health IT (information technology) Commission to update the state's health IT strategy in 2020-2021. Focuses on initiatives to improve health data and public health, social determinants of health (SDOH) and the digital divide, onboarding and technical assistance, and more. Includes IT needs and strategies specific to rural areas.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
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Telehealth Use in Rural and Remote Health Practitioner Education: An Integrative Review
A review of 60 articles that examines access and quality of telehealth education available to rural and remote health practitioners. Provides information on current virtual education models and resources and recommendations for supporting and developing virtual education for rural and remote health practitioners.
Author(s): Pauline Calleja, Susan Wilkes, Melinda Spencer, Steven Woodbridge
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 22
Date: 01/2022
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Assessment of the Capacity of Virginia's Licensed Behavioral Health Workforce
Provides statewide and locality-specific data on the capacity of each of Virginia's licensed behavioral health (BH) professional types, data regarding Virginia's pipeline to produce more BH professionals, current demand for them, and the consequences of an inadequate supply. Features county-level maps showing distribution of psychiatrists, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, and a map showing Virginia Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas with limited broadband service.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Virginia Health Care Foundation
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Access Granted: Rural Broadband Options, Obstacles, and Solutions
Report describing the importance of broadband access for rural education, healthcare, economic development, equality, and climate impact. Discusses connectivity options and barriers to expanding broadband infrastructure, and examines consumer, community, and policy actions to reduce barriers and expand access.
Author(s): Molly Malone
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
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Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022-2026
Identifies key objectives and priorities for rural health in Virginia including broadband access, healthy housing, transportation, nutrition and food security, maternal and child health, access to healthcare services, behavioral health, aging in place, and workforce development. Features statistics with breakdowns by rural and nonrural areas.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Virginia State Office of Rural Health
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Beneficiary Experiences with the Medicaid Enrollment and Renewal Processes
Presents findings from focus groups with Medicaid beneficiaries and their representatives about their preferences communicating with state Medicaid agencies during the enrollment and renewal processes. Discusses participants' access to technology and technology as a potential barrier, as well as their experiences during the application and renewal processes.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organizations: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, PerryUndem
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