Access to healthcare in rural settings: An evolutionary concept analysis

The concept of "access to healthcare in rural settings" has evolved beyond physical proximity, necessitating a contemporary conceptual analysis.

Explore the evolution of the concept "access to healthcare" and provide an updated definition with an emphasis on rural settings.

Rodgers's evolutionary concept analysis method.

"Access to healthcare in rural settings" can be redefined as the ability of individuals to identify, seek, reach, and effectively utilize physical or digital health services in a timely and appropriate manner. It includes not only the availability of services but also the capacity to afford, understand, and engage with healthcare technologies and systems, despite geographic, economic, or infrastructural barriers.

Access to healthcare has transformed from a purely physical concept to one that encompasses both traditional face-to-face and digital modalities. This conceptualization provides a framework to design and evaluate more equitable, inclusive, and technologically responsive healthcare systems.