title: Citizen participation in rural health: a promising resource.
abstract: The role of consumers in rural health care is explored in this review of the literature. A brief history of public, private, and grassroots efforts to involve consumers in health care is presented. A more in-depth analysis of two primary areas where consumers can be useful resources for addressing rural health care problems--personnel shortages and improving community acceptance of health care innovations--is discussed. Emergency medical services, care for medically disabled persons, and prenatal care are specifically addressed. Barriers to effective citizen participation and policy recommendations are also presented.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003256:Community Participation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D012423:Rural Health; D014481:United States; D014838:Volunteers