As the country continues to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, rural hospitals are facing an even greater burden. With the cessation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds in December of 2020, these rural hospitals are struggling to maintain operations and retain vital personnel. While larger hospitals have been able to access other forms of funding, these rural hospitals are facing an uphill battle.
Throughout the pandemic, rural hospitals have experienced increased demand for services and resources while at the same time, their revenue has suffered a drastic decline. As a result, many of these rural hospitals are left without the financial stability to keep up with technological changes that larger hospitals have taken advantage of. Additionally, these rural settings often lack staff and resources to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of the community. Moreover, the influx of COVID-19 cases presents an even greater threat to rural hospitals in comparison to larger healthcare institutions.
Aside from the financial and staffing aspects, another major issue that these rural hospitals face is patient compliance. Since many rural communities are located off the beaten path, transportation can sometimes be an obstacle for patients who need to get to their appointments. Aside from that, the digital divide has been a major challenge as many rural residents are unable to access the internet and its associated resources. Moreover, the cost of care can also be a concern for residents of rural communities as some of their patients may not have access to affordable health insurance.
Furthermore, the mental health of rural residents has taken a major hit due to the pandemic. A lack of physical gatherings has prevented rural communities from coming together to support one another and this has been an issue that is being greatly overlooked. Moreover, the fact that rural hospitals are usually the first responders to a community’s medical needs during times of crisis, these healthcare institutions information networks being down can further add to the community’s stress and mental strain.
In order to combat these issues, organizations such as the Federal Rural Health Policy Committee have begun advocating for greater support and resources for rural hospitals. Additionally, federal and state governments are beginning to prioritize access to information and internet for rural communities and are also focusing on the technological advancement of the rural healthcare system.
Overall, the struggle to maintain rural hospitals is an widespread issue that needs to be addressed. In order to ensure that rural communities have access to quality healthcare, there needs to be a greater emphasis on providing the necessary resources to these hospitals. It is only through such actions that these hospitals will be able to continue providing vital and meaningful care to those they serve.