CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
STUDENT
National University
COH 694B
July 16, 2023
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the problem
Access to healthcare in rural communities is a challenge globally (Tan, 2022). Rural areas have little development, which restricts the communities from accessing proper healthcare services (Rodgers & Yee, 2014). Health is the most important basic need, and everyone is entitled to quality services. However, this is not the case because millions worldwide still struggle to get effective and efficient services (Charalambous, 2023).
Background of the Problem
Rural communities in the United States have lagged when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. This has been the case since time immemorial and is a great concern since it affects the overall health situation in the country. More than 18% of Americans (60 million) live in rural areas; on average, they are older than urban dwellers (US Government Accountability Office, 2023). Additionally, they are comparatively poorer than those who reside in urban areas. Their access to healthcare is challenging as they cannot afford the best services. Resources are also limited, affecting the quality of care they can access (Patton, 2014).
Statement of the Problem
The problem is the lack of access to proper healthcare for rural communities in the United States despite health being a basic need. This challenge needs to be addressed and a possible solution found.
Purpose of the Study
The study aims to understand why rural communities in the United States have challenges accessing healthcare. The study will also reveal factors leading to this situation. A study must have a purpose (Miller & Wilson, 2014).
Research Question
This project looks forward to answering the following research question: what factors lead to poor access to healthcare by communities in rural America?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it will reveal the factors that lead to poor access to healthcare in rural communities within the United States. The findings will also include suggestions and recommendations that can be implemented to solve the problem. Research should be useful in revealing information that can help solve problems (Griffiths, 2009).
Assumptions
The sample used in the research will represent the entire population. More than 60 million are affected and cannot be interrogated; they will be represented. Samples represent the population (Arnab, 2017). The research will also be done using reliable methods and tools; therefore, the outcomes will be valid.
Limitations
There are financial constraints. Therefore, the research will not be extensive. The sample will also be small for easier handling, although it might not reveal the accurate reality of the population. The level of accuracy might be 95%. Studies have challenges that affect the outcomes.
Summary
Many studies have been conducted regarding different areas of healthcare. Still, they have not paid attention to why there is a problem with access to healthcare in rural communities within the United States. This research will find why the situation is the way it is and recommend possible solutions to the problem. More literature related to the topic will be analyzed to help understand the facts (Creswell, 2014). Literature is important as it provides additional information from other researchers’ discoveries (Bowling, 2023).
References
Arnab, R. (2017). Survey sampling theory and applications. Elsevier.
Bowling, A. (2023). Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services. Open University Press.
Charalambous, P. (2023). Less staff, longer delays, and fewer options: Rural America confronts a healthcare crisis. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Health/staff-longer-delays-fewer-options-rural-america-confronts/story?id=97911613
Creswell, J. (2014). Research design. SAGE.
Griffiths, F. (2009). Research methods for healthcare practice. SAGE.
Miller, K., & Wilson, S. (2014). Cognitive interviewing methodology. Wiley.
Patton, M. (2014). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. SAGE.
Rodgers, P., & Yee, J. (2014). The Routledge companion to research design. Routledge.
Tan, W. (2022). Research methods: A practical guide for students and researchers. World Scientific.
US Government Accountability Office. (2023). Why Healthcare is Harder to Access in Rural America. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/blog/why-health-care-harder-access-rural-america
Add some more sentences to build up the significance once with additional outside sources.