Formal comparison of the teleinterpretation revealed no major discrepancies between the teleinterpretation and a later interpretation of the original hard copy. In addition the study documented a mean turnaround time for the consultation of 1.3 hours. Rural childhood immunization. Rates and demographic characteristics . It is commonly claimed that access to health services is poor in rural areas and that geographic barriers result in reduced access to, and participation in, programs of proven efficacy.
Childhood immunization is an example of such a program.
In this study the authors document that although childhood immunization rates are suboptimal in American rural areas, they are in fact no worse than rates in urban areas. In both areas the factors associated with underimmunization were poverty, unemployment and low family education, among others. These findings, although of concern, leave room for optimism. Rural communities have every right to expect that preventive measures of this kind will not be denied their children by virtue of where they live. General surgeons in rural areas face significant practice challenges, not the least of which are those times when patients having major trauma present to their hospital.