Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Rural Communities
Overview
Rural areas often struggle with healthcare access. A recent study tested ways to improve hospital visits and treatment rates for osteoporosis medication (AOM). It involved 567 patients divided into three groups. The findings revealed that those receiving special interventions had better hospital attendance and treatment rates than those who did not.
Purpose
This study focused on improving care in rural communities, where many face financial, transportation, and access issues. It aimed to boost outpatient visits and AOM treatment rates while identifying reasons why some patients refuse therapy.
Methods
In total, 567 patients were organized into three groups:
- Multicomponent Integrated Care (MIC)
- Osteoporosis Care Only (OC)
- Usual Care (UC)
Tools like the Fracture Risk Assessment and X-ray scans were used to evaluate patients. The MIC and OC groups received five key interventions to overcome barriers, such as:
- Access to specialists
- Education about the disease
- Transportation support
- Peer support
- Dedicated case managers
In contrast, the UC group did not receive these supportive services. The study measured outpatient attendance, AOM treatment rates, and reasons for refusing hospital assessments.
Results
The results were impressive:
- MIC Group: 73.3% attended outpatient clinics; 58.6% received AOM.
- OC Group: 81% attended; 69.3% received AOM.
- UC Group: Only 4.1% attended and received AOM.
There were significant differences between the intervention groups and the UC group (p < .001). Common barriers to care included the belief that treatment was unnecessary and lack of hospital access. Factors preventing attendance included being male, low education, tight budgets, multiple disabilities, and osteopenia.
Conclusion
To improve healthcare access in rural areas, it is essential to address transportation issues and have dedicated case management.
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