Population Health in Rural

Health promotion and disease prevention interventions may focus on improving population health. Population health is defined by Kindig and Stoddart (2003) as:

“the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group.”

In rural communities, population health approaches should involve:

• Identifying the social determinants of health in the community
• Engaging the community
• Strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Identifying strengths, assets, challenges, and barriers
• Coordinating and ensuring access to healthcare services through care coordination strategies, integrated services, and transportation

Resources to Learn More

Pathways to Population Health Framework and Getting Started Guide
Website
Defines key concepts related to population health and provides tools supporting healthcare organizations working towards improvements in population health.
Organization(s): American Hospital Association (AHA), Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Public Health Institute (PHI)