Health Systems
Access to rural healthcare depends on the presence and distribution of the necessary workforce and facilities. The modules in this area explore these aspects plus the various definitions of rural, how rural needs can be assessed, and how quality is measured.
This module explains the different definitions for rural urban, and frontier communities; identifies the Colorado urban, rural and frontier areas; and discusses some of the factors that often distinguish rural communities from urban communities.
What is Rural?
This module provides information about the rural healthcare workforce. The context of rural healthcare workforce is provided, along with definitions of health professions shortage areas. National and Colorado data are presented, including possible solutions to enhancing the rural healthcare workforce.
Healthcare Workforce