Presentation
PS5 - Beyond the City Limits: Challenges and Considerations Needed When Conducting Human Factors Research with Rural Populations
DescriptionHuman factors research informs the design of healthcare technologies and digital health solutions to ensure that they are accessible and usable for diverse populations; this includes considering factors such as geographical location. Where a person lives, works, and socializes has a significant impact on their access to resources and well-being, especially when it comes to health (Healthy People 2030, 2023). Rural populations in particular face unique health disparities compared to their urban and suburban counterparts as they grapple with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and poorer health outcomes (Gong et al., 2019; Gujral and Basu, 2019; Kaufman, 2016; Probst et al., 2019; Singh & Siahpush, 2014). Conducting human factors research with rural populations, therefore, is crucial for designing inclusive healthcare technologies that address their specific needs and barriers.
By conducting human factors research with rural populations, human factors practitioners can gain insight into the unique needs, preferences, and challenges faced by this population. This knowledge can help identify market opportunities for developing products, services, and solutions that cater to rural healthcare needs and potentially increase the likelihood of adoption and acceptance of medical technologies. In addition, by engaging rural populations and understanding their unique challenges of accessing healthcare services and technologies, human factors research can help develop innovative solutions to overcome those barriers by improving access, convenience, and affordability of healthcare for rural populations.
This presentation will explore definitional and logistical challenges and offer recommendations grounded in our team’s firsthand experience conducting human factors research with rural populations.
We will evaluate who and what is considered ‘rural,’ and the consequences of using different definitions of ‘rural’ in human factors research. We will also consider the economic and cultural factors that can impact rural health disparities, and in turn, how researchers approach defining and recruiting rural populations. Furthermore, we will provide insights on geographical and technological considerations when conducting human factors research in rural settings. We will conclude with recommendations on how to recruit, engage, and build relationships in rural settings, with rural stakeholders.
By conducting human factors research with rural populations, human factors practitioners can gain insight into the unique needs, preferences, and challenges faced by this population. This knowledge can help identify market opportunities for developing products, services, and solutions that cater to rural healthcare needs and potentially increase the likelihood of adoption and acceptance of medical technologies. In addition, by engaging rural populations and understanding their unique challenges of accessing healthcare services and technologies, human factors research can help develop innovative solutions to overcome those barriers by improving access, convenience, and affordability of healthcare for rural populations.
This presentation will explore definitional and logistical challenges and offer recommendations grounded in our team’s firsthand experience conducting human factors research with rural populations.
We will evaluate who and what is considered ‘rural,’ and the consequences of using different definitions of ‘rural’ in human factors research. We will also consider the economic and cultural factors that can impact rural health disparities, and in turn, how researchers approach defining and recruiting rural populations. Furthermore, we will provide insights on geographical and technological considerations when conducting human factors research in rural settings. We will conclude with recommendations on how to recruit, engage, and build relationships in rural settings, with rural stakeholders.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 254:45pm - 6:15pm CDT
LocationSalon C
Digital Health
Simulation and Education
Hospital Environments
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives