Abstract Book: 12th EURIPA Rural Health Forum
Abstract Book
12th EURIPA Rural Health Forum
Călimănești-Căciulata, Romania
October 19–21, 2023
Abstract
Rural family medicine is a critical component of healthcare, as it serves the unique needs of individuals and communities in rural areas. Looking to the future, several trends, challenges and considerations will shape the practice of rural family medicine.
Rural areas often cover large geographic areas with low population density. This makes it difficult to establish and maintain healthcare facilities and can result in longer travel times for patients seeking care; therefore, the use of telemedicine and telehealth services will continue to grow, helping bridge the gap in access to healthcare by allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely. This is especially important in rural areas where travel distances can be significant. Rural areas typically have a shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and specialists, and this situation is getting worse and worse, leading to work overload and early burnout of existing healthcare personnel. Attracting and retaining healthcare providers in rural settings, one of the main visions of EURIPA, can be challenging due to limited career opportunities and access to educational resources. Strategies such as providing rural-specific training, and creating a supportive work environment will be essential. Hopefully, collaborative care models involving multiple healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and social workers, will become more common. This helps maximize the use of available resources and provide comprehensive care to rural populations.
Many rural areas in Europe have aging populations, which leads to an increased demand for healthcare services, particularly for chronic and age-related conditions, and places additional strain on the healthcare system. Furthermore, rural populations often experience higher rates of poverty and lower socioeconomic status, which can contribute to health disparities. These disparities can affect health outcomes and access to care. Lower health literacy rates in these areas can affect individuals’ understanding of health issues, preventive measures, and their ability to navigate the healthcare system. Involving community health workers in a “social prescribing” model will play a pivotal role in reaching underserved populations in rural areas. These individuals can provide education, support and advocacy for patients, helping to fight the sense of isolation and improving healthcare access and outcomes.
In rural areas, emergency services may have longer response times due to distance and limited resources. This can be critical in life-threatening situations. Residents may also experience social isolation and limited access to mental health services, leading to higher rates of mental health issues. Integrating behavioral health services into rural family medicine practices can help address this gap and provide holistic care for patients.
Involving the local community in healthcare decisions and planning will be essential. Engaging with community leaders and organizations can help tailor healthcare services to the specific needs of the rural population.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy initiatives, workforce development, infrastructure improvement, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Governments and healthcare organizations in Europe need to invest in rural healthcare to ensure that residents in these areas have access to quality and timely healthcare services.
Key words: primary healthcare, rural health, COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, healthcare disparities, social prescribing