Impact of Hospital Closure on Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study

Rising rates of rural hospital closures have prompted concerns about access to care in affected communities. This paper summarizes findings from interviews with state and community leaders who experienced hospital closures between May 2010 and December 2017, detailing their impact on rural communities and how local communities adapted to them.

Key Findings:

• Rural communities with hospital closure experienced a decline in access to regular, necessary, and emergent care.
• Hospital closures had negative impacts on local businesses and the economy in rural communities with hospital closure.
• While negative impacts on healthcare access and the local economy were significant concerns, rural communities identified ways to adapt to the changing health care landscape.
• Many health care systems responded by opening newer facilities, improving emergency medical services, and adding or retaining specialty services and providers.