Current research in rural models of integrated long-term care

This introductory article describes four commissioned articles in this issue that review the research on integrated models of long-term care and the rural implications of these models. Most models have been tested in urban areas or with urban population bases. Rural regions have both barriers and opportunities in implementing integrated long-term care. Although a full range of long-term care seti,ices may be failing to meet the needs of home and community-based care, rural areas may have better cooperation among acute and long-term care providers. Managed care penetration and experience are limited in most rural regions, but examples are given of Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly programs, the Arizona long-term care system, the Carle Clinic demonstration, and developments in several states for serving rural long-term care populations with new models that integrate across providers funders, and/or services.