MU researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural Missouri

Findings highlight new care coordination services that health care organizations are providing in rural areas, such as transportation, mental health, food and housing to better address Missourians’ health.

“Transportation was the most commonly reported barrier addressed, particularly in rural areas where you have to travel farther distances, especially if you need specialized care, and the physician shortages in rural areas have made this barrier even worse,” said Julie Kapp, an associate professor in the MU College of Health Sciences and lead author on the study. “Some families might just have one car that everyone shares, the car might not be reliable, or if families are working long hours while juggling household responsibilities, missing work to drive long distances might not be possible.”