Rural residents face racial inequities in accessing hospital care, study finds. Telehealth, policy changes help close the gaps

Fierce Healthcare: Rural residents face racial inequities in accessing hospital care, study finds. Telehealth, policy changes help close the gaps

According to a recent study, rural residents who are Black, American Indian or Alaska Native are more likely to live further from a hospital than white rural residents. The researchers suggested multi-pronged approaches to equity, including addressing and preventing gaps in care created by hospital closure or relocation and the use of telehealth services. In the short run, access to selected services associated with hospital presence can perhaps be enhanced through expanded use of telehealth options.