Introduction to Rural Practice

What constitutes rural?

When you think of rural, what do you envision in your mind?

Each of us most likely would have a differing picture of what rural looks like. The same is true for government agencies and programs—making it difficult to have a clear definition.

Various Definitions

Rural Matters

“A particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systemically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; ….geographic location; [rural] or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion” ~ Healthy People 2020

Unique Practice Considerations

Limited access & barriers

Differences between communities

National, State, & Local Provider Shortages

Provider considerations for rural practice

Module PDF

Webinar

Module Evaluation

This work was supported by contract number 201712381A proviso 33.22(E)(4) which is a legislative grant funded by a rural health proviso with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). The work was approved by and developed in conjunction with DHHS and the USC school of Medicine. The points of view or opinions in this project are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the SCDHHS.

ICARED

Improved Care and Provision of Rural Access to Eliminate Health Disparities