An Evaluation of the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation System of Rural Southern Illinois

Authors

  • Peggy Wilken
  • Dhitinut Ratnapradipa
  • Dennis Presely
  • Alicia B. Wodika

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.217

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine if disparities existed in the non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) system in the lower 34 counties of southern Illinois. NEMT is described as the transfer of individuals from a pre-hospital care setting to care facilities, and ongoing care transfer of individuals from pre-hospital care settings. Several research themes developed during the study. These themes included an underserved rural population by non-emergency medical transportation, negative health consequences, and an ineffective use of medical staff’s time. Two types of data collection were used in the collection of information about the non-urgent medical transportation system. Qualitative research consisted of three focus groups, made-up of various stakeholders within the medical community. The quantitative research consisted of the collection of 250 surveys from various participating healthcare professionals. The results of the data collected indicated that the rural population of southern Illinois is inadequately served by the NEMT system. It also indicated that due to insufficient non-urgent medical transportation, patients and medical staff alike had undue burdens placed on them because of missed appointments, lack of timely healthcare services, reduced effectiveness of patient care, and medical staff distress.

Author Biographies

Peggy Wilken

Peggy Wilken, PhD, LI Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University, 475 Clocktower Drive, Pulliam Hall 307 Carbondale, Illinois 62901-4632 

Dhitinut Ratnapradipa

Dhitinut Ratnapradipa, PhD, MCHES is an Associate Professor in
the Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, 62901

Dennis Presely

Dennis Presely, MPA is Project Coordinator, Rural Medical Transportation Network, Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, 62901

Alicia B. Wodika

Alicia B. Wodika PhD is a Temporary Assistant Professor 100 E Normal St Truman State University Kirksville, MO 63501

Published

2020-11-15

How to Cite

Wilken, P., Ratnapradipa, D., Presely, D., & Wodika, A. (2020). An Evaluation of the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation System of Rural Southern Illinois. American Journal of Health Studies, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2014.217

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