H420: Health Policy | ePortfolio

PBHL-H420 Health Policy

Rural Healthcare Quality and Access

This presentation identifies the persistent disparities rural communities face in accessing quality healthcare, including workforce shortages, limited services, poor infrastructure, long transportation distances, and insurance coverage gaps. Three policy options were analyzed: expanding telehealth services, incentivizing the rural healthcare workforce through loan forgiveness and higher pay, and investing in rural healthcare infrastructure. Based on evidence showing telehealth can be as effective as in-person care and offers immediate, scalable, and cost-effective results, the team recommends expanding telehealth services as the preferred policy to bridge geographic barriers and improve both access and quality of care.

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What I learned

I chose to include this assignment because it represents some of my hardest work and greatest growth as a future healthcare professional. This was my first time conducting a full policy analysis, from defining a real-world problem to evaluating evidence and recommending a solution. I am especially proud of how our team collaborated to synthesize research from sources like the CDC, HRSA, and peer-reviewed journals into a clear, actionable recommendation. More than just a grade, this project taught me how to think critically about systemic disparities and practical solutions, skills I will use every day in my career.

Program Competencies

Demonstrate effective written communication and oral communication skills.
Collaborate in teams utilizing interpersonal skills, recognizing and demonstrating sensitivity to different points of view.
Describe the structure and functioning of health delivery, public health, and health services organizations and the importance of a population health perspective.
Apply quality, strategic planning, management, organizational behavior, marketing, and human resource theories and tools to manage organizational resources, confront industry challenges and improve outcomes in health organizations.

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