Nabil Natafgi, PhD, MPH, CPH

Phone: 803.777.8133
Email: nnatafgi@mailbox.sc.edu

Health Services Policy & Management
University of South Carolina
220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 204
Columbia, SC 29210

Current Projects - (1)

Challenges, Successes, and Sustainability of the 2019 Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) Programs
This mixed-methods study aims to understand awardees' experiences in building and maintaining cohesive networks for Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS).
Research center: Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Topics: Health disparities and health equity, Health services, Healthcare access, Maternal health, Minority health, Networking and collaboration, Telehealth, Women

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
Rural and Minority 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 .

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Control Efforts
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2022
This study surveyed a stratified random sample of Rural Health Clinics throughout the country to examine how the pandemic has affected their overall operations and provision of cancer prevention and control services.
The Involvement of Rural Health Clinic Practitioners in Cancer Treatment Decisions and Survivorship Care
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2022
This study examined Rural Health Clinics' practitioner involvement in cancer treatment decisions, management of side effects, surveillance, and survivorship care.
Availability of Hospital-Based Emergency Department and Trauma Services in Minoritized Racial/Ethnic Group Areas
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
This brief is one of a series of findings briefs documenting disparities in geographic access to health services for ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) containing a high proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic residents. This report looks at the availability of hospital-based emergency department and trauma services at the ZCTA level.

Averted Transfers in Rural Emergency Departments Using Telemedicine: Rates and Costs Across Six Networks
Journal Article
Rural Telehealth Research Center
Date: 08/2020
In a cohort of 4,324 tele-ED cases across 26 months in 65 hospitals in 6 tele-ED networks, 20% were averted transfers, and 43% of those were then routinely discharged rather than being transferred. Averted transfers saved on average $2,673 in avoidable transport costs per patient, with 63.6% of these cost savings accruing to public insurance.

Surgical Patient Safety Outcomes in Critical Access Hospitals: How Do They Compare?
Journal Article
RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
Date: 02/2016
Examines how Critical Access Hospitals perform compared to Prospective Payment System hospitals on measures of quality.