Navigating Challenges and Empowering Rural Communities

Rural community health systems are small but mighty hearts of their community. They face significant challenges, primarily due to limited resources and cost pressures. These areas often suffer from a shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, which hinders the delivery of essential medical services. Additionally, the need to transfer patients to larger more advanced medical facilities exacerbates these issues, making it difficult to predict and manage their census. Geographic isolation further complicates access to healthcare, as patients may need to travel long distances to receive treatment, which is often not feasible. Rural hospitals are increasing their focus on digital outreach to encourage the completion of preventive services, decrease no-show rates, and offer automated check-ins to reduce readmissions and virtual visits to avoid patients traveling long distances.

Although there is a significant digital divide, where broadband may not be available, most patients do have mobile phones and are receptive to proactive digital outreach. ?Learn how progressive facilities are adopting lightweight digital solutions that are quick and simple to implement to reduce costs, reduce staff burden, and keep patients in their community.

Listen to the full interview with Amanda Heidemann MD, FAAFP, FAMIA Heideman here - https://www.qliqsoft.com/marketing/qliqsoft-critical-access-hospitals-challenges

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