Development and validation of a rurality index for healthcare research in Japan: a modified Delphi study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Rural-urban healthcare disparities exist globally. Various countries have used a rurality index for evaluating the disparities. Although Japan has many remote islands and rural areas, no rurality index exists. This study aimed to develop and validate a Rurality Index for Japan (RIJ) for healthcare research.

Design

We employed a modified Delphi method to determine the factors of the RIJ and assessed the validity. The study developed an Expert Panel including healthcare professionals and a patient who had expertise in rural healthcare.

Setting

The panel members were recruited from across Japan including remote islands, mountain areas and heavy snow areas. The panel recruited survey participants whom the panel considered to have expertise.

Participants

SUBMITTER: Kaneko M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10314574 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature