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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research article

Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review

Authors: Melissa E. Cyr, Anna G. Etchin, Barbara J. Guthrie, James C. Benneyan

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Access to healthcare is a poorly defined construct, with insufficient understanding of differences in facilitators and barriers between US urban versus rural specialty care. We summarize recent literature and expand upon a prior conceptual access framework, adapted here specifically to urban and rural specialty care.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of literature within the CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest Social Sciences databases published between January 2013 and August 2018. Search terms targeted peer-reviewed academic publications pertinent to access to US urban or rural specialty healthcare. Exclusion criteria produced 67 articles. Findings were organized into an existing ten-dimension care access conceptual framework where possible, with additional topics grouped thematically into supplemental dimensions.

Results

Despite geographic and demographic differences, many access facilitators and barriers were common to both populations; only three dimensions did not contain literature addressing both urban and rural populations. The most commonly represented dimensions were availability and accommodation, appropriateness, and ability to perceive. Four new identified dimensions were: government and insurance policy, health organization and operations influence, stigma, and primary care and specialist influence.

Conclusions

While findings generally align with a preexisting framework, they also suggest several additional themes important to urban versus rural specialty care access.

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Title: Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review
Authors: Melissa E. Cyr
Anna G. Etchin
Barbara J. Guthrie
James C. Benneyan
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4815-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Exploring the role of external experts in supporting staff to implement psychosocial interventions in care home settings: results from the process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial

Qualitative and quantitative research of medication review and drug-related problems in Hungarian community pharmacies: a pilot study

Mixed-methods evaluation of mental healthcare integration into tuberculosis and maternal-child healthcare services of four South African districts

Perceived cultural differences in healthcare for foreign patients visiting South Korea: tool development and measurement

Ethical problems in nursing management – a cross-sectional survey about solving problems

The effectiveness of prescription drug monitoring programs at reducing opioid-related harms and consequences: a systematic review