Exploring Collaborations between Public Health and Healthcare in Rural Communities: Strengths and Barriers

Additional Authors

Kayla Alvis, PhD, Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Haleigh Leslie, MPH, MBA, Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Benjamin Pelton, MPH, RT(R), Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Michael Meit, MA, MPH, Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN Casey Balio, PhD, Center for Rural Health and Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

PURPOSE: Due to their similar missions and the limited availability of resources in rural settings, local health departments (LHDs) and healthcare organizations may be primed for collaboration. LHDs and healthcare organizations may partner for various reasons, but these collaborations are often limited in capacity and related to the completion of needs assessments There is also a gap in the literature in that most collaborations studied have not been located in rural communities and occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential benefits of collaborations between LHDs and local healthcare organizations in rural communities, as well as the facilitators and barriers. METHODS: This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews via Zoom to describe potential experiences, benefits, challenges, and strategies of these collaborations. Interviews were first conducted with participants from national or state organizations that represent or support LHDs and local healthcare organizations, followed by interviews with LHDs and local healthcare organizations located in or serving rural communities. Interview transcripts will be analyzed using a rapid-coding process to identify key themes. RESULTS: Analysis is ongoing, but preliminary results from the first stage of interviews indicate possible common reasons for collaborations in rural areas are related to the completion of needs assessments, emergency preparedness, and the sharing of funding and resources. Possible barriers to collaboration include perceived competition for funding and resources, including workforce. Trust and relationships between collaborating entities were deemed important facilitators. DISCUSSION: Study findings could provide rural LHDs and local healthcare organizations with tools to build and strengthen collaborations, as well as make the most of limited resources.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:30 AM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Graduate Student - Doctoral

Faculty Mentor

Stephanie Mathis

Faculty Department

Community and Behavioral Health

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

Exploring Collaborations between Public Health and Healthcare in Rural Communities: Strengths and Barriers

PURPOSE: Due to their similar missions and the limited availability of resources in rural settings, local health departments (LHDs) and healthcare organizations may be primed for collaboration. LHDs and healthcare organizations may partner for various reasons, but these collaborations are often limited in capacity and related to the completion of needs assessments There is also a gap in the literature in that most collaborations studied have not been located in rural communities and occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential benefits of collaborations between LHDs and local healthcare organizations in rural communities, as well as the facilitators and barriers. METHODS: This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews via Zoom to describe potential experiences, benefits, challenges, and strategies of these collaborations. Interviews were first conducted with participants from national or state organizations that represent or support LHDs and local healthcare organizations, followed by interviews with LHDs and local healthcare organizations located in or serving rural communities. Interview transcripts will be analyzed using a rapid-coding process to identify key themes. RESULTS: Analysis is ongoing, but preliminary results from the first stage of interviews indicate possible common reasons for collaborations in rural areas are related to the completion of needs assessments, emergency preparedness, and the sharing of funding and resources. Possible barriers to collaboration include perceived competition for funding and resources, including workforce. Trust and relationships between collaborating entities were deemed important facilitators. DISCUSSION: Study findings could provide rural LHDs and local healthcare organizations with tools to build and strengthen collaborations, as well as make the most of limited resources.