DeGuzman PB, Abooali S, Jain N, Scicchitano A, Siegfried ZC. Improving equitable access to care via telemedicine in rural public libraries.
Public Health Nurs 2021;
39:431-437. [PMID:
34614251 DOI:
10.1111/phn.12981]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Rural public libraries have been proposed as ideal locations from which individuals can access a telemedicine visit, but limited adoption of this practice suggests significant barriers remain. The purpose of this study was to determine rural public librarians' perspectives on the benefits and barriers to offering patrons the ability to use their public library for a telemedicine video visit, and to suggest strategies for moving this practice forward.
DESIGN
Qualitative content analysis.
SAMPLE
Fifteen rural US librarians and library directors.
MEASUREMENTS
Individual interviews were conducted to determine perspectives on the benefits of and barriers to implementing telemedicine in public libraries.
RESULTS
We identified four themes from the data: rural public libraries increase healthcare access in a trustworthy location, librarians are supportive of telemedicine, but have concerns, limited resources drive barriers to telemedicine implementation in rural libraries, and small rural libraries continued in-person service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSION
Rural public libraries can be an important part of achieving equitable access to care, particularly with regard to chronic disease management in rural populations. Rural public health nurses can be instrumental in promoting collaborations between local libraries and regional health systems that may help libraries overcome financial barriers to this practice.
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