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Rural Health
Resources by Type: Document

COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for the Veterans Health Administration
Guidance on the VA's vaccination program, which provides vaccinations for veterans and VA staff. Covers storage and handling, safety monitoring, reporting, education, and communication. Addresses risk stratification approaches to identify those at highest risk, including rural and minority veterans. Appendix P provides detailed information on planned outreach to rural veterans.
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Disparities in Amputation in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Examines health disparities related to amputation and the management of peripheral arterial disease. Discusses intersecting factors impacting the need for amputation, such as race/ethnicity, geography, and more. Includes county- and ZIP code-level state maps of West Virginia that show 2011-2016 risk estimates for amputation in patients with diabetes and/or peripheral arterial disease.
Author(s): Katharine L. McGinigle, Samantha D. Minc
Citation: Surgery,169(6), 1290-1294
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Rural/Urban Differences in Discharge from Rehabilitation in Older Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury
Compares rural and urban rates of discharge from skilled nursing facilities for 61,021 older adults with traumatic brain injury between 2011 and 2015 to determine quality of care. Discusses factors predicting successful discharge and reasons for not successfully discharging between rural and urban patients.
Author(s): Marie C. Anderson, Emily Evans, Mark R. Zonfrillo, Kali S. Thomas
Citation: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(6), 1601-1608
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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North Carolina Telepsychiatry Program: 2021 Profile
Fact sheet with North Carolina telepsychiatry-related statistics on grants, performance measures, return on investment and economic impact, and total program funding, with breakdowns by state and other contributions. Includes a county-level map showing locations of telepsychiatry centers as of June 2021, with shadings indicating urban and rural counties.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
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Assessing the Effectiveness of Cancer Screening Interventions Targeting Appalachian Populations: A Systematic Review
Presents a review of cancer screening interventions aimed at rural Appalachian communities and measures their efficacy. Explores the design and limitations of each study. Breaks down data by cancer type, intervention type, and recorded outcomes, among other factors.
Author(s): Nicole M. Robertson, Lauren Hudson, Suzanna Labib Attia, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(3), 602–623
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Resilience: A Commitment to Patient Safety Fuels Quality Initiatives During a Pandemic
A 2021 Wisconsin quality report that highlights measures aimed at improving patient safety as well as collaborations that support best practices in healthcare quality. Provides data on federal Medicare measures, Wisconsin quality initiatives, collaborative opportunities and resources, COVID-19 response stories, and a hospital quality improvement showcase. Includes initiatives and stories from rural healthcare facilities.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Hospital Association
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Adoption of Health System Innovations: Evidence of Urban-Rural Disparities from the Ohio Primary Care Marketplace
Examines the market penetration of Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), and the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) among primary care providers (PCPs) in Ohio between 2011 and 2015. Compares the percentage of PCPs who are affiliated with ACOs, PCMHs, and meaningful use by urban and rural county status.
Author(s): Joseph E. Tanenbaum, Mark Votruba, Douglas Einstadter, Thomas E. Love, Randall D. Cebul
Citation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 36(6), 1584–1590
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Evaluation of Solar-Powered Battery Systems for Individuals Using Electricity-Dependent Medical Devices in Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria
Examines the effectiveness of using solar-powered battery systems in the event of a power outage for persons dependent on electrical medical devices. Rooftop solar-powered panels were distributed to rural residents of Puerto Rico who needed battery back-up for their device during power disruptions. Interviews were conducted to determine acceptance and use. Study concluded the use of solar-powered battery systems for medical devices could be an important factor in public health emergency management and reduce mortality during disasters.
Author(s): Gabriella A Tosado, Marvi Matos, Mareldi Ahumada-Paras, Michael K Chapko, Lilo D Pozzo
Citation: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1-4
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Strategies for Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Rural Health System in New York State
Describes the challenges of COVID-19 encountered by Bassett Healthcare Network (BHN), a network of 5 hospitals and 24 clinics located in rural upstate New York covering the healthcare needs of 5 counties. Presents four strategies in response to these challenges: expand the capacity of intensive-care; retrain and reposition employees into new roles; adopt a system providing rapid access to care and follow-up; and coordinate communication and decision-making with network administrators, employees, and other healthcare professionals.
Author(s): Jamie A. Aron, Alexander J.B. Bulteel, Kelsey A. Clayman, et al.
Citation: Healthcare, 9(2), 100508
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Arizona Health Improvement Plan Summary Document 2021-2025
Describes state efforts to address health priorities in Arizona, including health equity, social determinants of health, mental well-being, and rural and urban underserved health. Notes visions and strategic plans for each priority area.
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Arizona Department of Health Services
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