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: University of South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Topics: Health services, Healthcare access, Maternal 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
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.

Averted Transfers in Rural Emergency Departments Using Telemedicine: Rates and Costs Across Six Networks
Journal Article
Remote care & 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.