Date of Award

5-14-2019

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa Cranwell-Bruce

Second Advisor

Dr. Sarah Killian

Abstract

Background: Universal access to healthcare services is essential in health promotion and disease prevention. It has been demonstrated that further quality improvement is needed in accessibility of health services, health promotion and disease prevention to improve populations’ health outcomes. The use of mobile health clinics (MHC) may benefit underserved populations in rural areas of Georgia. MHCs provide modes of healthcare delivery to people with limited health services. Poor access to healthcare for people in rural areas is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. For many in rural areas, MHC may be the only resource that offers effective options. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of the use of MHC in the reduction of barriers to access and health disparities in the rural and the underserved areas. Methods: Project utilized a descriptive design with participants recruited via convenience sampling. Participants completed a 12-item questionnaire that assessed the needs for mobile health clinic. Results: A total of 52 questionnaires were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings. Discussion: Evidence denotes the importance of MHC as an effective means of reducing healthcare services barriers. Despite decreased awareness about MHC, 96% of participants would use MHC if available in their area. The limitations of MHCs are limited availability and long-term sustainability.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/14488650

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