Changes in utilization patterns in a National Health Service Corps community

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rural Health Policy
• Physician Workforce Studies

Background:

• Understanding healthcare utilization in rural areas is crucial for resource allocation.
• The impact of National Health Service Corps (NHSC) programs on rural physician accessibility and community perception requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physician utilization patterns in two adjacent rural Utah counties over five years.
• To assess the impact of establishing a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site on healthcare seeking behaviors.
• To evaluate community perceptions of physicians, particularly family physicians, in response to differing service models.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed, analyzing utilization data from 1971-1976.
• One county featured a three-physician NHSC site, while a control county transitioned from one to two family physicians.
• Respondent surveys were used to gauge physician identification and perceived attachment.

Main Results:

• The NHSC site county demonstrated an increase in physician utilization, whereas the control county showed no significant change.
• Despite increased use, fewer residents in the NHSC site county identified a local family physician, suggesting a perception of transience.
• A subsequent follow-up study indicated that the community began to view NHSC physicians as their family doctors over time.

Conclusions:

• While NHSC programs can increase physician utilization in rural areas, initial community perceptions may view these physicians as temporary.
• Long-term integration and community attachment to NHSC physicians can develop, positively impacting rural healthcare continuity.
• Policy implications suggest the need for strategies to foster physician retention and long-term community relationships within rural health initiatives.