Providing rehabilitative services in rural communities: report of a conference.
Rural communities have a disproportionate need for rehabilitative services, partly attributable to an aging population and higher incidence of occupational injuries. Despite increased need, many rural communities find rehabilitative services unavailable due to personnel shortages, maldistribution of health care personnel, and related recruitment and retention issues. The National Rural Health Association and the Division of Associated, Dental, and Public Health Professions of the Health Resources and Services Administration co-sponsored a conference to explore issues related to ensuring that rural communities have access to vital rehabilitation services provided by allied health professionals. The status of rehabilitative care in rural settings and the barriers to improvement in services delivery were described by consumers, providers, educators, and public and private agency representatives. Recommendations directed to state and federal authorities, educational institutions, and professional organizations centered around increasing the supply of appropriately trained allied health providers. Improving retention of rehabilitative personnel in rural areas could be achieved by specific changes to the practice climate.
Jones
H P
HP
School of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville 27858, USA.
Brand
M K
MK
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000193:education; D012423:Rural Health; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce