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Challenges of patient care in rural regions

Getty, Elizabeth (2014) Challenges of patient care in rural regions. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

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Abstract

Rural regions of the United States struggle to meet the healthcare needs of their communities, often because they lack the resources urban regions have. First, communities and health systems must address the significant primary care shortage that is occurring in rural regions. These areas are sometimes referred to as medically underserved areas. This is the first step in improving the community health of these populations. Managing care in outpatient settings such as primary care offices significantly reduces the cost of care and can keep patients healthier. When primary care resources do not exist, patients resort to episodic and disconnected care in acute care hospitals which is extremely costly for both the patient and the hospital. Frequently, these patients visit emergency departments for non-emergent conditions because they either have no other access to physicians or do not know where to seek care. This drains the resources of the emergency departments and takes time away from acute patients. Studies have determined a number of factors contribute to where patients seek care: transportation, convenience, education, economic factors and perceived acuity. This issue has significant public health importance because public health professionals have to work to change how care is delivered to improve the overall health of the population. Patients cannot continue seeking episodic and disconnected treatment in acute care facilities, as it is expensive and ineffective. Policymakers are trying to find solutions to reduce the cost of healthcare spending in the United States, addressing these issues is an excellent place to start.


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Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Getty, Elizabeth
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairCastle, Nicholascastlen@pitt.eduCASTLENUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberBear, Todd M.tobst2@pitt.eduTOBST2UNSPECIFIED
Date: April 2014
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 21 April 2014
Submission Date: 7 April 2014
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management
Degree: MHA - Master of Health Administration
Thesis Type: Master Essay
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Primary, care, emergency, departments, patients
Date Deposited: 21 May 2015 14:57
Last Modified: 02 Aug 2023 10:55
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21122

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