A Method for Identifying Places in Rural America at Risk of Not Being Able to Support Adequate Health Services

Abstract

The results are discussed in regard to how a place-based approach can advance the study of rural health needs. By focusing on the needs of the people residing in a defined area, as determined from the aggregate characteristics of the population, a model is generated that can be used to predict special circumstances confronting any service provider. The public policy implications of the findings are also considered. Special payment policies could be written on the basis of place instead of provider characteristics, and grant programs providing technical assistance could be targeted to places of greatest need.

Predictive Model to Determine Need for Nursing Workforce

“…Place-based approaches consider not only geographic locations but also population factors (i.e., age, race, gender, etc.) (Mueller, Stoner, Shambaugh-Miller, Lucas, & Pol, 2003). When the relationship between geographic places and their health service utilization is understood, the coefficients can be applied to county population projections to predict regional demand for health services.…”

Comparative Analysis of Urban and Rural Nursing Workforce Shortages in Nebraska Hospitals

“…The modified UIC coding allowed for analysis of trends in the data based on geography and population density, urban influences, and accessibility and availability of local health services. UIC designations also facilitated the conceptual model's placebased approach for understanding health service demand and workforce issues, which is based on the assumption that rural places, although perhaps lacking in their own local health resources, are not necessarily considered "medically underserved if they are in close proximity to other locations that offer services or if they are part of network of services" (Mueller, Stoner, Shambaugh-Miller, Lucas, & Pol, 2003).…”