Health Disparities in Hospital Readmissions in Rural vs Urban Populations in the United States: A Comprehensive Review of Factors and Reduction Strategies

Abstract

Background: Health disparities between rural and urban populations in the United States significantly impact health outcomes, access to medical services, and overall care quality. These disparities are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic isolation, availability of healthcare providers, and the prevalence of chronic health conditions. Hospital readmission rates serve as critical indicators of care quality and post-discharge management effectiveness. High readmission rates often highlight issues in patient care management, discharge planning, and follow-up care efficacy, necessitating targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Rural areas face unique challenges in addressing these issues due to limited resources and access barriers. Method: A comprehensive approach was employed to investigate health disparities between rural and urban populations in the United States, focusing on strategies to mitigate hospital readmission rates in rural areas. The literature review involved searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, with keywords like "rural health disparities," "urban-rural differences," "hospital readmission," and "healthcare interventions." Articles were selected based on their relevance to hospital readmissions and interventions targeting rural populations. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics, participant demographics, outcomes related to hospital readmissions, and intervention details such as telehealth and care coordination programs. National data from guides and reports were also included to capture broader trends and efforts at reducing readmissions. Results: The review revealed significant disparities in hospital readmission rates between rural and urban populations in the United States. Rural areas exhibited higher readmission rates due to limited healthcare access, higher prevalence of chronic conditions, and socioeconomic challenges. Strategies such as enhanced telehealth services, improved primary care access, and care coordination programs demonstrated potential in mitigating these disparities. Conclusion: Addressing health disparities between rural and urban populations requires a multifaceted approach. Effective strategies include expanding telehealth services, improving care coordination, and strengthening community-based healthcare resources. Policymakers should focus on addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable distribution of funding and resources. Continuous evaluation of healthcare policies can provide insights into improving outcomes for rural populations. Future research should standardize methodologies, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and incorporate qualitative insights to inform effective, equitable healthcare interventions and policies.