Abstract Entering its second year, the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare Project aims to enhance rural healthcare equity and accessibility by refining the deployment strategy of Telehealth Kiosks/Booths (TKBs). Grounded in Year 1's evidence, this phase deepens the understanding of the complex underlying demand dynamics for the use of TKBs. In particular, Year 2 aims to better understand both the currently unmet healthcare needs in rural areas and how these needs drive the demand for TKBs. Additionally, it investigates how the use of TKBs correlates with the demand for services at existing healthcare facilities. This phase also examines the geographical factors that influence the adoption and utilization of TKBs, exploring how location affects the effectiveness and popularity of these kiosks in enhancing rural healthcare access. Through rigorous empirical research, we aim to refine distance decay functions that describe how these factors impact healthcare access. These insights will inform the enhancement of our mathematical models, guiding the strategic deployment of TKBs to address the unmet needs and preferences of rural communities effectively. The project is set to offer innovative solutions that realistically improve healthcare access and quality, addressing rural healthcare disparities with precision. Through this comprehensive approach, Year 2 of the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare Project stands to significantly advance our understanding of the complexities of healthcare access in rural areas, bridging critical gaps and fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape.
Description Entering its second year, the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare Project aims to enhance rural healthcare equity and accessibility by refining the deployment strategy of Telehealth Kiosks/Booths (TKBs). Grounded in Year 1's evidence, this phase deepens the understanding of the complex underlying demand dynamics for the use of TKBs. In particular, Year 2 aims to better understand both the currently unmet healthcare needs in rural areas and how these needs drive the demand for TKBs. Additionally, it investigates how the use of TKBs correlates with the demand for services at existing healthcare facilities. This phase also examines the geographical factors that influence the adoption and utilization of TKBs, exploring how location affects the effectiveness and popularity of these kiosks in enhancing rural healthcare access. Through rigorous empirical research, we aim to refine distance decay functions that describe how these factors impact healthcare access. These insights will inform the enhancement of our mathematical models, guiding the strategic deployment of TKBs to address the unmet needs and preferences of rural communities effectively. The project is set to offer innovative solutions that realistically improve healthcare access and quality, addressing rural healthcare disparities with precision. Through this comprehensive approach, Year 2 of the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare Project stands to significantly advance our understanding of the complexities of healthcare access in rural areas, bridging critical gaps and fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape.
Objective The Year 2 expansion of the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare project directly aligns with the US DOT's Strategic Goals of “Safety, Equity, and Transformation” by enhancing the delivery of healthcare services through innovative and technology-based solutions. The project contributes to "Safety" by minimizing the need for potentially hazardous travel for healthcare, especially in areas with limited access to medical facilities. This approach not only reduces the risk of accidents but also ensures that high-quality healthcare is accessible even in remote locations. In addressing "Equity," the project specifically targets rural communities, which are often underserved in terms of healthcare services. By leveraging technology to bridge these gaps, the initiative ensures that all individuals, regardless of their geographical location, have equal access to essential healthcare services, addressing disparities and promoting inclusiveness. Finally, the project embodies "Transformation" by redefining the intersection of healthcare delivery and transportation through innovative telehealth solutions. It demonstrates how transportation system design can be fundamentally rethought to serve societal needs more effectively, leading to transformative changes in how services are delivered and accessed. In sum, the Rural Omnichannel Healthcare project not only aligns with but actively advances the US DOT's strategic goals, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to leveraging transportation for societal good.
Impacts/Benefits This project aims to significantly impact rural healthcare by optimizing telehealth kiosk deployment, thereby improving access, equity, and operational efficiency in underserved