Fact Check: Rural hospital closures could force patients to travel hours for emergency care
What We Know
Rural hospital closures have been linked to significant increases in emergency medical services (EMS) transport times. A study published in Health Services Research found that when rural hospitals closed, the mean EMS transport times increased by an average of 2.6 minutes, and total activation times (the time from a 9-1-1 call to the EMS unit returning to service) increased by 7.2 minutes (Miller et al., 2020) [source-1]. This increase in transport time can be critical, as longer EMS times are associated with worse patient outcomes, especially in emergencies like heart attacks or strokes.
Furthermore, the research indicates that the closure of hospitals not only increases the distance patients must travel to receive care but also often results in the closure of hospital-based EMS agencies. This means that 9-1-1 dispatchers may have to call EMS units that are located even farther away from the patient, thereby exacerbating the delays in receiving emergency care (UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 2020) [source-3].
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that rural hospital closures could force patients to travel longer distances for emergency care is robust. The studies referenced indicate a clear correlation between hospital closures and increased EMS transport times. For instance, the increase of 2.6 minutes in transport time may seem minimal, but in emergency situations, even a minute can significantly impact patient outcomes (Miller et al., 2020) [source-1].
Moreover, the findings from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health reinforce the idea that rural populations are already at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing timely medical care. The study revealed that rural residents often wait nearly twice as long for ambulances compared to urban residents, and this wait time is further exacerbated by hospital closures (UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 2020) [source-3].
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are published in peer-reviewed journals and conducted by reputable institutions. The studies utilize comprehensive data from the National EMS Information System, which adds credibility to their findings. However, it is important to note that while the studies provide strong evidence of increased transport times, they do not quantify the exact distance patients must travel post-closure, which can vary widely based on geographic location.
Conclusion
The claim that rural hospital closures could force patients to travel hours for emergency care is True. The evidence indicates that such closures lead to increased EMS transport times and longer activation times, which can critically affect patient outcomes. As rural hospitals continue to close, the implications for emergency care accessibility become increasingly severe, necessitating urgent attention to the healthcare infrastructure in these areas.
Sources
- The effect of rural hospital closures on emergency medical services transport times. PubMed
- Hospital closures in rural America means longer drive times for patients needing care. UAB News
- Hospital closures in rural communities lead to longer ambulance drives. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
- The Effect of Rural Hospital Closures on Emergency Medical Services. Oregon Legislature
- The Impact of Rural Hospital Closures on Emergency Medical Services. Rural Nursing and Health Care Journal
- Rural Hospital Closures: Affected Residents Had Reduced Access to Care. GAO
