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The Components of a Rural Health Workshop Study

Data Collection
This project uses economic and health care data from a variety of sources. County Business Patterns (compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau) and IMPLAN data provide the majority of numerical data; however, these data sources may contain incomplete information. For this reason, key informant interviews are conducted. These interviews fill in the holes within the numerical data (i.e., employment and annual pay total for unreported sectors).

Health Care and the Local Economy
Using the collected data, an economic analysis of the county is performed. This kind of report primarily focuses on the health care sector of the economy. In order to gain a full understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and trends within the economy, it becomes necessary to examine the entire economy of the study area. In order to illustrate the amount of influence that a particular industry has within the economy, IMPLAN is used to perform input-output analysis on the local economy. The Input-Output data displays the amount of influence the health care sector has on the creation of jobs, income, and retail sales. However, the Rural Health Workshop's study extends beyond the economic impact of the health care sector. Access and policy issues are explored by examining the programs and methods of provision of hospitals and health service providers. Furthermore, health care's potential to aid growth within the study area is examined.

Policy and Planning Consideration
The Illinois Rural Health Workshop report is a valuable tool in community health planning for the future. Consideration of the role that health care plays in a local economy reveals the economic value that health care providers carry in the local economy. This investigation can help policy makers make informed funding and development decisions. The report focuses on not only the aspects of health care that work, but also the areas that need improvement for the future.

Updated: December 10, 2002

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