Critical access health care: a concept analysis

PURPOSE. The purpose of this paper is to provide a concept analysis of critical access health care. A common understanding of critical access health care would benefit those who legislate, provide, and consume health care. METHODS. A review of the literature was conducted using an identical set of search terms that yielded a variety of sources; however, none were specifically related to critical access health care. FINDINGS. No literature of concept analysis of critical access health care could be found. CONCLUSIONS. A concrete and measurable understanding of the concept will provide a common foundation to assist public and private entities in developing viable methods to understand healthcare policies, problems related to access, disparities in health care, and ways to increase health promotion and disease prevention.