Modules by Healthcare Topic
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.
Leadership, Advocacy, Policy, and Community Engagement
Rural healthcare workers are often called upon to exercise leadership and to advocate for their patients and communities-at-large. These modules discuss disparities that rural areas face, where to find information, and ways to effectively communicate and advocate for rural needs.
Ethics
Rural healthcare workers have multi-level relationships with their co-workers, patients and a wide range of community members. These modules address ethical considerations of complex interpersonal relationships, confidentiality and legal obligations.
Healthcare Delivery
Healthcare is delivered in rural areas by many means and by many professions who must work together to provide accessible, cost-effective care that is high quality. These modules address licensure, scope of care, team-based care, and telehealth.
Rural Health Issues
A variety of health care issues are more commonly encountered in rural areas than in urban areas such as agricultural injuries, exposures and zoonoses. For issues common to both rural and urban areas, approaches and solutions may differ in rural areas. Such issues include cancer screening, firearm safety, opioid use disorder, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.
Public Health
Rural healthcare workers must address the health needs of their larger communities, not just the individual patient in front of them. Practical knowledge of and continuous linkage with Public Health is required to address both individual and community needs.
Special Rural Populations
A variety of health care issues are more commonly encountered in rural areas than in urban areas, such as agricultural injuries, exposures, and zoonoses. For issues common to both rural and urban areas, approaches and solutions may differ in rural areas. Such issues include cancer screening, firearm safety, opioid use disorder, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.
Medical Knowledge
Many rural healthcare workers address a wide range of patients’ needs which requires a broader knowledge base than similar urban workers. This area addresses some of those, including oral health, behavioral health, trauma care, and others.
Oral Health
Rural healthcare workers have multi-level relationships with their co-workers, patients and a wide range of community members. These modules address ethical considerations of complex interpersonal relationships, confidentiality and legal obligations.