Management Approach for Population Health Outcomes and Economic Improvement: Appointing Health Services Early Careerists to Rural Communities for Leadership Development.

Abstract

Securing health services administrators to manage health care organizations in rural areas and small town communities presents unique challenges; however, potential benefits abound for residents in terms of improving population health outcomes from a community-based approach and stimulating the local economy. The influx of community-based approaches to revitalize small towns and rural communities is evident in the literature. Small towns and rural areas lack advanced health care practices, which results in poor health outcomes; economic development as a result of a poorly prepared workforce; and community connection to the vast array of knowledge, activities, and other supports as a result of poor physical and virtual connectivity. An approach that prompts new health management graduates to practice where they have an opportunity to cultivate the residents, the community at large, and themselves is an optimal management method in improving rural areas. This framework places emphasis on students completing a health services administration curriculum training program and beginning their careers in underserved areas to positively impact rural communities by playing a role in revitalizing the local economy and improving population health.