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Perceptions of community leaders and the merger of rural health services

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Abstract

The merger of rural primary care and home health services offers the potential of increasing the administrative efficiency of health care, and thereby enhancing quality of care and increasing access to services, particularly health promotion. In a merger of rural health services in Northeastern Vermont, a survey of key community leaders revealed that improved organization of services, improved health status and greater accessibility of services were benefits expected and to some extent realized as a result of the merger process. The desire to preserve community-based services and having a common philosophy were important factors which served to initiate the merger. The actions of a few key individuals and the support of involved organizations were instrumental in continuing the process.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Services Management and Policy, The University of Michigan School of Public Health, 48109-2029, Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Dean G. Smith Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Dean G. Smith Ph.D.
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  2. Howard S. Zuckerman Ph.D.
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Additional information

Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, The University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Dr. Zuckerman is an Associate Professor, Department of Health Services Management and Policy, The University of Michigan School of Public Health.

This study was supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (UHG0001L/RAD).

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Smith, D.G., Zuckerman, H.S. Perceptions of community leaders and the merger of rural health services. J Community Health 16, 83–92 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01341717

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