NRHA's Rural Health Voices blog offers informed commentary on the latest news in rural health care from NRHA staff and editorials from selected contributors.

Harnessing telehealth for rural critical access hospitals

Critical access hospitals (CAH) administrators face unique challenges, particularly during the seasonal rush when respiratory illnesses strain bed capacity. Despite their crucial role in local health care, rural hospitals often face resource or infrastructure constraints and workforce shortages. Recent metrics underscore the nationwide infectious disease doctor deficit, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Telehealth technology allows for real-time consultation not bound by...

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Integrating telehealth: Strengthening rural health care delivery

The health care landscape is undergoing a transformation, particularly in how medical services are delivered in rural communities. Amidst rapid technological advancements, telehealth has surfaced as a revolutionary tool, essential for bridging the disparities in health care access. This shift towards virtual care delivery models is not just a convenience – it is a necessity for the sustainability of rural health systems.

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On telehealth and the future of rural health care

The pandemic, higher patient acuity and staffing shortages have been a lethal combination for rural hospitals; one third of them face closure. Many hospital leaders are seeking higher payments, but proactive strategies for change are also needed. One key strategy is applying telehealth solutions throughout the patient stay, with specialists doing everything from screening in the ER to clearing disruptions in patient flow, all virtually. This frees up on-site staff to do the hands-on work.

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Telemedicine essential for addressing clinical, behavioral care access disparities

With a growing shortage of primary care providers and behavioral health specialists, telemedicine will be key to improving access and choice for residents of underserved and disadvantaged communities.

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Extending quality care into every American community

Facing physician stress and shortages alongside the larger, ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, rural healthcare is at a crossroads as patients and care providers alike demand changes in terms of where and how care is delivered. What will the future of telehealth and extended care look like in the U.S.? Philips is committed to helping create this new reality. Extending care depends on understanding unique needs, employing creative thinking and building partnerships at all levels...

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NRHA grant partnership offers rural pediatric telehealth stipends

NRHA has partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics and HRSA’s Maternal Child Health Bureau to provide technical assistance for the Supporting Providers and Families to Access Telehealth and Distant Care Services for Pediatric Care project via a short, two-page application process. The goal of this grant is to support telehealth access and infrastructure for the provision of comprehensive care to children and adolescents by practices with pediatricians, nurse practitioners, ...

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Telemedicine: A boon to critical access hospitals

As rural health facilities continue to struggle, and many close, it's crucial for critical access hospitals to invest in technological advances. In preparation for the 2017 Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conferences, hosted by the National Rural Health Association Sept. 27-29 in Kansas City, Mo., we’ve broken down telemedicine basics: How beneficial such technologies can be for critical access hospitals and how to overcome barriers that may be keeping CAHs and...

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