Rural Programs Research Articles

Assessing the effectiveness of a rural distribution program in reducing time to prothrombin complex concentrate administration in patients taking warfarin.

Reversal of warfarin-induced anticoagulation using prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC4) is more rapidly achieved than with traditional methods such as fresh frozen plasma (FFP). In many rural facilities the availability of both FFP and PCC4 has been limited. A tertiary hospital instituted a program to provide PCC4 to rural sites using an air transport team and pharmacy exchange. We hypothesized that increasing accessibility of PCC4 would shorten time to INR reversal. This was a retrospective study with the primary outcome being time to INR reversal (INR ≤1.6) and time to PCC4 administration from outside hospital admission. Active warfarin prescription, transfer to a tertiary facility, and administration of anticoagulation reversal between January 2013 and December 2020 were required for inclusion. Patients were grouped by dates before and after implementation of the program in August 2016. Linear regressions were performed to determine the effect of the variable and INR reversal methods on time to INR reversal as well as time to PCC4 administration. Time to event analysis was used to analyze the primary outcome between comparison groups. p values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Chart review identified 189 patients: 56 within the pre-implementation group and 133 in the post- implementation group. Statistics were compared between these two groups. The post-implementation group had a shorter time to INR reversal (median 9.97 hours) compared with the pre-implementation group (median 14.58 hours, p = 0.00004). Time to PCC4 administration was also significantly decreased (p = 0.023). No statistically significant differences were found for hospital survival or 30-day mortality. In rural hospitals, increasing availability of PCC4 using air medical transport along with a medication exchange program significantly reduces time to PCC4 administration in warfarin anticoagulated patients.

Factors influencing type 2 diabetes self-management practices in rural Bangladesh: a qualitative investigation

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent, chronic health condition of global significance, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Diabetes self-management practices (DSMP) are the gold-standard treatment approach, yet uptake remains challenge in LMICs.Purpose of the studyThis study aimed to explore the barriers to and facilitators of DSMP and preferences for intervention design and delivery in Bangladesh, an LMIC, with prevalent T2DM.MethodsSixteen qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs) with adults with T2DM and their caregivers were conducted in rural Bangladesh to explore preferences, barriers, and facilitators for community DSMP-related intervention programs. Data were thematically analyzed using a deductive theoretical domains framework (TDF) underpinned by the socio-ecological model.ResultsOverall, 117 participants (n = 58 with T2DM and n = 59 caregivers) were included in the analysis. Five overarching themes were identified, including (i) implementation of DSMP, (ii) community spirit and interconnectedness, (iii) environmental influences, (iv) healthcare professionals’ role in DSMP, and (v) government support. Key barriers to DSMP identified for T2DM patients include knowledge implementation gaps, cultural practices, limited resources, and financial constraints. Facilitators include motivation, support from family and peers, and religious practices. Rural Bangladeshis prefer programs delivered at community clinics, viewing them as reliable, culturally appropriate central ‘hubs’ to assemble.ConclusionBarriers to and facilitators of DSMP were identified, and preferences for intervention design and delivery for implementing DSMP were explored. The findings provide a foundation for the critical need to implement programs that improve DSMP in Bangladesh, with the potential to translate to other LMIC settings.

Rural Surgery Experiences in General Surgery Residency Training-The Current State an ACGME Sponsored Survey of General Surgery Program Directors.

Nationwide there is a significant shortage of surgeons in rural communities, which has led to a growing interest in training more general surgeons specifically for entry into rural practice. Despite noble intentions, exactly how this training should be performed is unclear, and highly variable across programs. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Surgery Residency Review Committee (RRC) sought to better understand the current state of rural focused training options in general surgery residencies. The Surgery RRC surveyed all 314 ACGME accredited surgery programs about their rural surgery training options. General surgery residency programs. One hundred thirty programs responded to the survey, of which 37 (28%) included some type of rural experience (rural track, or a required or elective rotation). Three programs had fully dedicated tracks with separate match numbers, while other programs recruited from within, or simply offered elective rotations to interested residents. There was significant variability in the structure, duration, timing, and frequency of experiences across programs. Lack of funding was identified as the number one barrier to new or ongoing development of rural surgery programs. Rural surgery training is highly variable across general surgery residency programs, ranging from dedicated rural tracks with deliberate recruitment, to short elective experiences. This mismatch of available training to current and future workforce needs is an opportunity for innovation.

Study on the path of clustering construction of rural primary schools' aesthetic education programs from the perspective of resource integration.

Aesthetic education is an important part of the overall development of students. This study analyzes the number of rural schools and enrollment, number of classes, and number of full-time teachers in those schools from 2013 to 2022, and clarifies the current challenges in aesthetic education in rural elementary schools and the path of quality improvement. It then constructs a curriculum cluster model that shares resources, teachers, management, instructional design, and practical activities, etc. The results find that (1) the number of rural primary schools in 2013-2022 shows a decreasing trend, and in 2022 there was a 45.77% decrease relative to 2013. The number of rural elementary schools in 2022 shows a decreasing trend, and the relative decrease in 2022 compared with 2013 is 45.77%. From 2013 to 2022, the number of elementary schools in rural areas was more than 50% of the total number of elementary schools. Rural elementary schools in China are scattered, the distribution rate of aesthetic education resources is low, and it is difficult to popularize high-quality aesthetic education resources. (2) The number of classes in China's rural elementary schools decreased 30.28% from 1.139 million in 2013 to 788,000 in 2022. The small size of rural schools, small number of teaching classes, and small number of students lead to less investment in resources for schools to offer aesthetic education, and the integration of collective public art courses cannot be realized. (3) Using the model of a "two-dimensional aesthetic education curriculum cluster," we can improve the high-quality development of aesthetic education in rural schools. (4) The design path of the aesthetic education curriculum clusters focuses on the implementation and implantation of teaching objectives, teaching design and teaching process by grade, and links interest activities, nature and social observation activities, etc. Organically with aesthetic education. This study can thereby an effective path for the improvement of the quality of aesthetic education in rural elementary schools and the high-quality development of aesthetic education in rural schools.

The Building New Rural Program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Outcomes and People's Expectations

Background and objective: The Building New Rural Program in Ho Chi Minh City aims to enhance rural infrastructure, improve socio-economic conditions, and protect the environment. The program seeks to meet residents' expectations for sustainable development, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and economic transition.Methods: The study utilized a combination of primary and secondary data analysis. Primary data were gathered through participant observation in 56 communes, in-depth interviews with 30 residents and local officials, and a structured questionnaire survey of 1,017 households.Results: The study highlights significant achievements of the program, including notable advancements in economic growth, infrastructure development, and social sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. These efforts have improved living standards, reduced social instability, and partially fulfilled people's aspirations for sustainable rural development.Conclusion: The Building New Rural Program has brought substantial socio-economic improvements to rural areas in Ho Chi Minh City. However, to ensure more sustainable progress, it is essential to prioritize support for disadvantaged areas, enhance public service quality, and reinforce environmental protection policy enforcement.

SEX DIFFERENCES IN FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FALLS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract Osteoarthritis elevates the risk of falling among older adults due to joint pain and stiffness. Research suggests that sleep problems, depression, and fatigue may also relate to falls among those with osteoarthritis, yet sex influences in these associations remain understudied. This study investigated factors associated with falls by sex (male vs. female). A sample of 3,895 community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (2,624 females; 1,271 males) were analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression. All analyses were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, including geographic residence, and health-related issues (e.g., balance problems, chronic diseases, and medication use). Most participants were female (64.5%), in their 70s (M = 73.74, SD = 6.4), White (89.0%), had a high school or higher education (89.3%), and non-rural residents (70.9%). For both men and women, balance problems, functional limitations, and cancer increased the risk of falling, while pain, sleep problems, depression, or fatigue were not associated with falls. Among women, being White (OR = 3.87, 95% CI; 1.86, 8.05 compared to Black), rural residence (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01–2.50 compared to urban residence), and opioid use (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.54) increased the risk of falling. Among men, having heart problems (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.72) increased the risk of falling. Sex-tailored fall prevention strategies, such as providing rural programs and opioid education for women and increasing awareness and fall education for men with heart problems, are encouraged to support active living among older adults with osteoarthritis.

A Review towards Enhancing Geospatial Technologies in South African Rural Education

This study investigates the geospatial technologies in the South African rural schools. Despite the increasing importance of geospatial technologies, there is inadequate research examining their integration into rural education curricula. This gap in the literature raises questions about the effectiveness of current pedagogical practices in fostering proficiency in utilizing geospatial technologies among students preparing for careers in this field. The rationale behind this study lies in recognizing the critical role that geospatial literacy plays in contemporary professional practice. By identifying effective pedagogical practices, educators can enhance teaching and learning experiences, ultimately improving student outcomes, and the study addresses the broader societal need for skilled geospatial professionals in South African rural schools. The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on geospatial technologies in South African rural schools. In addition, the inclusion and exclusion research design were adopted for the study, while the social constructivism theory guided the study. The review process resulted in a detailed analysis of 54 relevant articles utilized for the study. The findings reveal that the challenges to utilizing GIS in South African rural education curricula are multifaceted, encompassing infrastructural deficiencies, limited access to technology and resources, lack of teacher training, curriculum integration issues, The findings contribute to understanding how proficiency in geospatial technologies can be enhanced through innovative teaching methods, addressing the growing demand for geospatial skills in various professional domains. This study recommends the enhancement of geospatial technologies rural education programs and standardizing geospatial curriculum frameworks, hands-on learning experiences, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

TEHNOLOGIA BLOCKCHAIN PENTRU ÎMBUNĂTĂȚIREA TRASABILITĂȚII ȘI SUSTENABILITĂȚII ECHIPAMENTELOR INDIVIDUALE DE PROTECȚIE ÎN AGRICULTURA DIN ROMÂNIA

Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent method to improve the traceability and sustainability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Romanian agriculture. By enabling comprehensive monitoring of PPE across its lifecycle, blockchain addresses gaps in safety and compliance. It ensures adherence to safety standards while reducing risks of counterfeit or defective products. However, several challenges hinder adoption. High costs, limited digital infrastructure, and low digital literacy among farmers create significant barriers. Overcoming these requires targeted investments in rural digital infrastructure and training programs designed to enhance stakeholders’ skills. Public-private partnerships and pilot projects are essential to demonstrate the technology’s benefits and build trust among users. Gradual implementation, supported by collaboration between public and private sectors, can transform Romanian agriculture. Blockchain’s integration can lead to better productivity, improved safety, and greater sustainability. This study examines blockchain’s potential in PPE management, offering insights into its applications, benefits, and necessary steps for successful adoption in the agricultural sector. Through strategic action, Romanian agriculture can leverage blockchain to achieve safer practices and long-term sustainability.

Influence of Policy Awareness and Satisfaction With Service on the Willingness to Engage in Rural Elderly Medical and Nursing Care Service Programs in Rural China.

In rural China, the participation of residents in elderly medical and nursing care service programs is notably low. To understand the reasons behind this underutilization or reluctance to use such services, an empirical study is warranted. This study adopts a cross-sectional research design, utilizing survey data collected between January and March 2023. Retired elderly individuals aged 50 and above who were permanent residents of LS Town. The survey collects data concerning several key aspects of the older adult population, including their fundamental demographic information, awareness levels regarding integrated medical and nursing care services offered by local township health clinics, their current enrollment status in family doctor contract services, and their propensity to subscribe to such healthcare arrangements. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between awareness of the integrated medical and elderly care nursing model and the willingness of rural older adults to adopt these services. Furthermore, satisfaction with the services also directly influences the willingness to engage with these services. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the significance of policy dissemination and enhancing service quality as pivotal strategies for governments and health service organizations to foster increased uptake of these services among the rural elderly population.

Rural physicians and social capital: the potential and promises of a rural health research capacity building program

BackgroundAccessible and contextually relevant healthcare research programs and networks for rural physicians are exceedingly rare, which hinders the development of social capital in an already isolating profession. This study aims to examine the impact of the Rural Health Research Capacity Building (RRCB) Program on enhancing cognitive, structural, and relational social capital through comprehensive research skills training, supported by professional teams and resources.MethodsThis study uses a mixed-methods approach with utilization of qualitative and quantitative data and pre-post quasi-experimental design. Data were collected prior and after completion of the program by means of surveys, focus group, and observation. Thirty-five rural physicians participated in this study from 2014 to 2021.ResultsThe results show a significant increase in cognitive (pre-program = 0.37 vs. post-program = 0.61, p < .001), structural (pre-program = 0.58 vs. post-program = 0.81, p < .001), and relational (pre-program = 0.49 vs. post-program 0.69, p < .001) components of social capital. Focus group discussions and observation data supported these findings, particularly highlighting that research capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of rural physicians can enhance collective values, improve the quality of relationships, and foster communities of research-focused practice.ConclusionsBeing equipped with a shared system of meanings and interpretations, research knowledge and resources, and a professional research network appears to play a critical role in enhancing social capital in rural health research. The RRCB program effectively improves social capital among rural and remote physicians.

Urban and Rural Multi-Objective Programming Based on Augmented Lagrange Multiplier Method for Nonlinear Mathematical Equations

Augmented Lagrange multiplier method is an important method to solve constrained optimization problems. In recent years, it has become more important to study the application of augmented Lagrange multiplier method. This paper first introduces the augmented Lagrange multiplier method, which leads to the development of the application of the augmented Lagrange method to nonlinear mathematical equations, and summarizes the augmented Lagrange multiplier. The application of nonlinear mathematical equations. At the same time, the paper specifies the application of the augmented Lagrange method in urban and rural multi-objective programming, and proves the practical application of the augmented Lagrange multiplier nonlinear mathematical equations.

Intervention Agencies and Rural Electrification in Akwa Ibom State: A Case of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

This article evaluated the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an intervention agency designed to implement infrastructure development projects in the Niger Delta area, with a focus on the impact of the Commission’s rural electrification intervention programs on the socio-economic circumstances of rural communities in Akwa Ibom State, more than two decades after it was created. The Stakeholders Theory of Freeman, which emphasises the need to maximise the interest of all parties involved, especially the beneficiaries, was used to explain this activity. Both primary and secondary sources were employed to gather pertinent data. The findings demonstrated that the NDDC has not been able to considerably enhance the socio-economic status of rural inhabitants via its assistance in implementing rural power projects in rural areas. Given these findings, it was recommended, among other things, that the NDDC update the present management and administrative structure to include fresh ideas into the management and operation of the Commission’s activities.

Pathways to Rural Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges in the Creation of an Agrotechnological District in Ingaí City, Brazil

An agrotechnological district (ATD) integrates sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to transform rural communities by stimulating socioeconomic development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ingaí, a dairy-producing municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands to benefit from the implementation of an ATD. This study aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of an ATD in the municipality, considering its socioeconomic characteristics, the level of producers’ technological adoption, connectivity infrastructure, support networks, and rural and market management. The method was based on an exploratory case study, using semi-structured group interviews for data collection, conducted in March 2024, with agricultural stakeholders. As a result, key challenges emerged: limited connectivity infrastructure; ineffective property management; rural family succession problems; barriers in accessing credit; resistance to the adoption of technologies; and dependence on the local government. Opportunities included the strengthening of support networks among the agents of rural productive activity; the promotion of technology adoption by producers; and creating training and rural extension programs. The adoption of these initiatives can stimulate Ingaí’s economic and social development, generate multiplier effects in its region of influence, and serve as a model for other initiatives in the state of Minas Gerais, the main dairy hub in the country, and one of the primary drivers of Brazilian agribusiness.

A Typology for Rural Residency Training

Abstract Until rural track program definitions were recently established in regulation and accreditation,1 there was no widely accepted classification system for rural graduate medical education (GME), making it difficult to conduct educational research, compare published results, or navigate the maze of options available to residency applicants. This typology for rural residency training, refined in use by rural medical educators, student applicants, and researchers2,3 over the past 2 decades, addresses varying degrees of required rurally located training, rural focus, and rural graduate placement outcomes. Acknowledging the range and differences across rural and frontier communities, this typology considers to be rural a geographic location that is rural by any 2 of the more than 75 federal definitions that exist (e.g., Core-Based Statistical Areas, Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes). For 8 common federal definitions, see RHIhub’s “Am I Rural?” Tool at https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/am-i-rural.

Practice Patterns of Graduates of a Rural Emergency Medicine Training Program

Introduction: Rural communities continue to face a shortage of emergency physicians despite the growing number of emergency medicine (EM) residencies. In rural areas, emergency physicians tend to be older, male, and White, and are less likely to have completed EM residency training or have board certification. There is also currently a higher rate of rural physicians leaving clinical practice than in urban emergency departments (ED). In this cross-sectional study we sought to identify the work environments of graduates of a rural EM residency program, and the strengths and weaknesses of such a program. Methods: We conducted a survey among 29 graduates of a community-based EM program to evaluate the effectiveness of a residency program in training physicians who will work in rural areas. The survey assessed the graduates’ perceptions of their level of preparedness, further training, and practice location after completing the program. Results are reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty respondents completed the survey (69%). Most of them identified as male (60%), White (70%), and non-Hispanic or -Latino (80%). Seventy-five percent of the graduates work in counties with fewer than 1,000,000 inhabitants, and 70% work in community hospitals and EDs caring for fewer than 100,000 patients/year. Four (20%) declared to work in critical access hospitals. Overall, respondents felt confident in their residency training. Conclusion: A community-based EM training program may be an effective strategy for producing emergency physicians who go on to work in rural and smaller communities.

Room for Change: Rural Low-Barrier Housing Policy and Program Models for People with Substance Use and Mental Health Comorbidities

Rural North American communities experience disproportionate burdens of housing instability and toxic drug poisonings. These regions face complex intersections of homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues, and innovative strategies are required to effectively address these crises. In British Columbia, Canada, new funding opportunities to address rural homelessness for complex populations have come after a lag in available resources. Complex Care Housing is a model aimed at filling gaps in the current housing and care continuum for people with mental health and substance use challenges. Due to rural-specific social characteristics, new housing models require ongoing evaluation to ensure programs meet the quality and fidelity of gold standard Housing First programs that upload the tenets of harm reduction and person-centeredness.

Pathways towards sustainability: A capacity needs assessment for the implementation of the Colombian Policy for Sustainable Cattle 2022–2050

Cattle farming is one of the main agricultural activities in Colombia, but its mainly extensive nature generates significant social and environmental impacts, such as land grabbing, agricultural frontier expansion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. To transform cattle systems towards sustainability, the Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Cattle 2022–2050 (LPGBS) were launched in 2022, resulting from conversations between sector institutions and the national government. Although the LPGBS are proposed as the roadmap for cattle farming in the coming decades, their implementation has faced delays and raised doubts among the involved institutions. This research analyzes the current state of the LPGBS to identify difficulties and determine strategies that promote sustainability in cattle systems by building capacities. The research is based on a mixed-methods approach and contains a literature review on the evaluation of public policies in the cattle sector, complemented by 26 key-informant interviews with experts from public and private institutions involved in developing the LPGBS. These interviews provided key perspectives and practical experiences to understand current difficulties in the implementation of the LPGBS and identify the capacities needed to achieve the planned transition to sustainable cattle farming. Results reveal several difficulties in the LPGBS design stage, including institutional weakness, low governmental participation, and lack of trust among stakeholders. However, important progress was made, such as the construction of social, environmental, and productive sustainability criteria, the consolidation of the sustainability approach at the cattle landscape level, and regional participation. The capacities necessary to drive the implementation of the LPGBS include strengthening rural extension programs, access to financing, and the implementation of a traceability system for monitoring and evaluation. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating policies at early stages to provide crucial information for decision-makers and public policy formulators to correct and improve implementation processes.

Community-based infant hearing screening: Outcomes of a rural pilot programme.

Community-based universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) has not been fully realised in South Africa despite the availability of contextually relevant early hearing detection and intervention guidelines. Research has confirmed the feasibility of implementing UNHS programmes in urban contexts; however, limited information exists for rural contexts. The aim of the study was to describe the outcomes in terms of coverage rate, referral rate and follow-up rate of a 1-year UNHS pilot programme implemented at three primary health care (PHC) clinics in the Limpopo province. A descriptive retrospective review of 2 302 audiological records of infants who underwent NHS between July 2014 to June 2015 was conducted. The mean age at first-stage screen was 112 days (16 weeks). The coverage rate was 87% for the infants screened at 3- and 10- days clinic visits and 27% for infants screened at the 6-week immunisation visit. The first-stage referral rate was 33.9% and 8.3% for the overall second stage referral for diagnostic audiology services. The follow-up rate for rescreens at the clinical level was 77%, while for initial diagnostic assessments, it was 26%. Although not all benchmarks were met within the first year of implementation, the high coverage- and low referral rates, especially in the last 6 months, are the first steps in improving the outcomes of the screening programme.Contribution:The findings confirm the feasibility of implementing community-based UNHS programmes in rural areas in South Africa. Regular monitoring and evaluation contribute to the success of screening programmes.

Predicting well productivity in cratonic regions using remote sensing lineaments and weathered cover thickness: A case study from Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

In western African cratonic regions, fractured crystalline bedrock, Neoproterozoic sedimentary covers, and regolith deposits constitute the most productive aquifer systems. Structural lineaments derived from remote sensing data and weathered cover thickness from borehole interpretations provide cost-effective methods for evaluating well productivity in regions with limited economic resources and hydrogeological knowledge, such as Houet province in Western Burkina Faso. Structural lineaments were interpreted using 1:200,000 Landsat TM images and 1:50,000 aerial photographs, revealing NE and NW as the most significant directions. An analysis of 101 borehole stratigraphic profiles from rural water supply program reports revealed the weathering depth and cover thickness. Borehole productivity exhibited a strong correlation with increased weathered cover thickness. Negative well results were concentrated in areas with less than 5 m of cover. In contrast, significant differences in specific yield rates were observed with greater thicknesses, ranging from 2.5 m³/d for 20 m of saturated thickness to 7.6 m³/d when the regolith reached a depth of 40 m. These preliminary groundwater exploration tools effectively target successful well sites by accounting for differing lithologies, regional tectonics, and regolith development. This approach is particularly relevant for cratonic regions with limited resources and hydrogeological knowledge, aiding in sustainable groundwater development and land-use planning.

Exploring Rural Medicine Residency Programs: A Narrative Review.

The challenges of rural medicine are not unknown as access to healthcare is compounded by physician recruitment, specialty care, and resource availability. Rural populations across the USare in a constant struggle for proper medical care and preventive health. Despite research efforts to examine the practice of rural medicine, little has been shared about the role of medical education in overcoming the hurdles of rural medicine. A review of current literature is needed to better understand the current situation in rural medicine and how medical education can aid in addressing the challenges of rural medicine. This review aimed to understand the practice of rural medicine, identify measures taken to address the physician shortage nationally in rural communities, and emphasize the role of rural medicine residency programs and training programs in addressing the current situation. A review of the literature was carried out by searching several electronic databases, which includedPubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), JSTOR, PsycINFO, ERIC Database (via EBSCOhost), and Academic Search Complete. The search was conducted from January 27, 2022, to February 28, 2022, using Boolean operations and the following terms: rural, family practice, healthcare, residency program, medical resident, graduate medical education, Kansas, and Midwest. There were 23 relevant publications included in this review that explored the role of medical education, physician recruitment, and scope of practice in addressing the struggles of rural medicine. Rural medicine residency programs and targeted training play a crucial role in addressing the physician shortage in underserved areas. Future research should focus on thoroughly understanding rural communities' interactions with the healthcare system and increasing support for medical professionals in rural areas.