Off-campus South Dakota State University users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your South Dakota State University ID and password.

Non-South Dakota State University users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2001

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Shirley Roddy

Keywords

rural family medical care, medical emergencies, rural family South Dakota attitudes

Abstract

Living in remote rural areas offers a very special way of life. However, obtaining healthcare in these remote areas is challenging, especially when a medical emergency occurs. Very little research has been conducted regarding emergency health care in rural United States.
This qualitative research study looked at the experiences of rural families during healthcare emergencies. Nine remote rural families were asked to tell their stories of what happened during their medical emergencies. While each story was unique, six common themes or concepts were identified.
Major concepts included hardiness, access to care, spirituality, community, family cohesiveness, and risk for injury. Access to care barriers include distance, poor road conditions, and availability of the emergency medical system (EMS). A strong sense of thankfulness was present. When a traumatic event occurs in rural areas, the neighbors will come. This strong sense of community helps families cope during difficult times. Families in this study who worked hard together on farms and ranches seem to have developed a special closeness. This serves them well when they ready need each other. The risk for injury is always present. The use of large, complex machinery, large animals and adverse weather all contribute to this.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Rural families -- Medical care -- South Dakota.
Medical emergencies -- South Dakota.
Rural families -- South Dakota -- Attitudes.

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

57

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2001 Billie Hague. All rights reserved

Share

COinS