Melinda A. Merrell, PhD, MPH

Email: mmerrell@mailbox.sc.edu
LinkedIn: Melinda on LinkedIn

University of South Carolina
220 Stoneridge Drive
Suite 204
Columbia, SC 29210

Publications - (6)

The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Independent and Provider-Based Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Screening Provision in the United States
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 03/2023
The provision of Rural Health Clinic (RHC) cancer prevention and screening services was examined to identify any changes pre- and peri-pandemic. The research examined overall provision of cancer prevention and screening services by RHCs and the provision of these services by independent RHCs and by provider-based RHCs.

Availability of Hospital-Based Cancer Services Before and After Rural Hospital Closure, 2008-2017
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
Using American Hospital Association survey data from 2008 to 2017, the changes in access to cancer-related screening and treatment services were examined to determine the impact of hospital closures across hospital service areas.
Examining the Association Between Rurality and Positive Childhood Experiences Among a National Sample
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2022
Using the full National Survey of Children's Health with all 50 states and the District of Columbia, this study examined rural-urban differences in positive childhood experiences.
Changes in Access to Community Health Services Among Rural Areas Affected and Unaffected by Hospital Closures Between 2006 and 2018: A Comparative Interrupted Time Series Study
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 07/2022
In this article, investigators compared access to Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics by those in rural areas affected versus those in rural areas unaffected by hospital closures.

Trends in Cancer Treatment Service Availability Across Critical Access Hospitals and Prospective Payment System Hospitals
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2021
This study investigated trends in cancer services availability in urban and rural Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Compared with all PPS hospitals, CAHs offered fewer cancer treatment services and experienced a decline in service capability over time.

A National Survey of RN-to-BSN Programs: Are They Reaching Rural Students?
Journal Article
University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2020
This study used a national survey of RN-to-BSN programs to better understand their potential role in addressing disparities in BSN-prepared nurses in rural and urban areas. The results are needed to inform policymakers and stakeholders who are responsible for addressing the status and needs of nursing education.