How rural living and the COVID-19 pandemic affect telemedicine and preventive healthcare use
Official title: The effect of rurality and the COVID-19 pandemic on telemedicine and preventive healthcare use
Funded at Ochin, INC. · NIH-10894054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people in rural areas use telemedicine and preventive healthcare services, to see if telemedicine makes it easier for them to get the care they need compared to those living in cities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ochin, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $140,908 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HS028732-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who utilize or are interested in telemedicine services for preventive healthcare.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those who do not use telemedicine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the use of telemedicine and preventive healthcare services among patients living in rural areas. It aims to understand whether telemedicine can enhance access to preventive care for these patients, who often face significant barriers to healthcare. The study will assess changes in the frequency and methods of preventive care visits, comparing rural and urban patients, and will explore whether telemedicine has improved or worsened disparities in healthcare access and quality. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness of telemedicine in rural healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to preventive healthcare for rural patients, potentially reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that telemedicine can improve access to care, but this study specifically addresses its impact in rural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ochin, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larson, Annie Elizabeth — Ochin, INC.
- Study coordinator: Larson, Annie Elizabeth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.