Rural veteran access to healthcare services: investigating the role of information and communication technologies in overcoming spatial barriers.
This multimethod pilot study examined patient and practitioner perspectives on the influence of spatial barriers to healthcare access and the role of health information technology in overcoming these barriers. The study included a survey administered to patients attending a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health visit, and a focus group with VA care providers. Descriptive results and focus group findings are presented. Spatial distance is a significant factor for many rural veterans when seeking healthcare. For this sample of rural veterans, a range of telephone, computer, and Internet technologies may become more important for accessing care as Internet access becomes more ubiquitous and as younger veterans begin using the VA health system. The focus group highlighted the negative impact of distance, economic considerations, geographic barriers, and specific medical conditions on access to care. Lack of adequate technology infrastructure was seen as an obstacle to utilization. This study discusses the need to consider distance, travel modes, age, and information technology infrastructure and adoption when designing health information technology to care for rural patients.
Schooley
Benjamin L
BL
The School of Information Systems and Technology, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA.
Horan
Thomas A
TA
Lee
Pamela W
PW
West
Priscilla A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013689:Telephone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult