ISSN: 2044-9038 (Print) 2044-9046 (Electronic)

Clinical Practice

Rural Health

Rural health involves a complex system that is determined in part by how we define “rural,” the changing demographics of the population, state and federal programs that determine licensing, and certification and funding, as well as meeting geographic challenges in accessing care. Rural communities and health care systems are always being challenged but have been very resilient in meeting the health needs of their communities. Federal and state policies play a significant role in rural health care survival through development and support of new facility models, funding of health systems infrastructure, setting of reimbursement policies for public programs, funding public insurance programs, and establishing funds to pay for services.The contention that rural health status is worse than that of urban populations in developing countries is well supported by differences in rates of infant and child mortality, generally considered a good proxy for health status in these countries. Demographic and health surveys conducted between 2001 and 2005 in developing countries and ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index show that under-5 child mortality (a composite of infant and child mortality) is consistently worse in rural than urban households. There is clear evidence that the availability of mental health services and the number of mental health providers in rural areas is severely inadequate.  

High Impact List of Articles

Relevant Topics in Clinical