An Investigation into Rural Access to Medical Care in the US and Taiwan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.4231Keywords:
rural healthcare, health disparities, Taiwan healthcare system, US healthcare system, comparative healthcare, medical accessAbstract
Taiwan and the United States both struggle to provide equitable, accessible care for citizens living within rural communities. This disparity creates unequal access to care in rural regions and contributes to varying health outcomes between urban and rural populations. This paper compares the strengths and weaknesses of each nation's healthcare system with an emphasis on healthcare in rural regions. Through a literature review analyzing the organization, delivery, funding, resource shortages, and key rural healthcare programs of the two healthcare systems, this paper examines how the two nations address rural healthcare inequalities and proposes an improved model that combines their most effective approaches. Sources were primarily drawn from online databases and government healthcare agencies, with most published from 2015 to the present. However, older sources were also included when relevant. In particular, both countries face significant challenges in healthcare access, physician shortages, and limited access to specialists. However, Taiwan excels in coordinated rural outreach programs and healthcare coverage, while the US benefits from advanced medical innovation in providing quality healthcare. Ultimately, although no system is perfect, improving rural healthcare requires balancing accessibility, quality, and long-term financial sustainability.
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