Rural communities face tremendous challenges in accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Some of the most promising advancements in the delivery of rural health care services have been in the area of telecommunication technology. These applications have the potential to reduce the disparities in the delivery of substance abuse and mental health services between urban and rural communities. The purpose of this inquiry was to explore the advances and uses of telecommunications technology, and related issues, in the delivery of mental health and substance abuse treatment services within rural areas. A review of the academic literature and other relevant works was conducted and the content was organized into four major themes: (a) advantages of telehealth and applications to rural practice, (b) barriers to implementation in rural practice, (c) utilization in rural areas, and (d) areas for further research.

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Purpose To evaluate and synthesize the evidence related to issues that impact type‐2 diabetes self‐management in rural communities. Data sources A systematic review of the literature from 2008 to 2013 was conducted using the following health science databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID. Other databases searched included the clearinghouses of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); National Rural Health Association (NRHA), State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and Rural Health Research & Policy Centers (RHRPC). Keywords used to obtain relevant articles included rural, type‐2 diabetes self‐management, health disparities, and nursing. Conclusion Three themes emerged from the literature examined: barriers to type‐2 diabetes self‐management, provider tools and education enhance type‐2 diabetes self‐management, and recommendations and guidelines for diabetes self‐management efficacy. Implications for practice The information presented here will support healthcare providers in improving preventative care, providing optimal disease management, and assisting with successful type‐2 diabetes self‐management in rural populations.

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