Rural and underserved communities have long faced significant barriers to quality healthcare—limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, and disparities in digital literacy are just a few of the persistent challenges. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital transformation is not only a catalyst for change but a necessity to bridge these gaps and create a more equitable healthcare landscape. Our work with health systems, public agencies, and industry partners demonstrates how platform-based approaches, telehealth, and data-driven engagement are making a tangible difference in these high-need regions.
Healthcare access in rural and underserved areas is often constrained by a lack of physical infrastructure, fewer healthcare professionals, and limited access to specialty care. These communities may also experience lower digital literacy and reduced access to high-speed internet, further complicating the adoption of digital health solutions. The result is a cycle of delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased costs for both patients and providers.
Yet, these challenges also present an opportunity: by leveraging digital platforms and innovative service models, it is possible to deliver care that is more accessible, personalized, and effective—regardless of geography.
A cornerstone of Publicis Sapient’s strategy is the development of interoperable, cloud-native platforms that unify fragmented healthcare experiences. For example, we partnered with a leading U.S. healthcare services provider whose legacy systems hindered even basic enhancements and slowed down patient access to essential medications. By modernizing their infrastructure with an API-centric, modular architecture, we enabled:
The impact was immediate: increased adoption of digital services, higher patient satisfaction, reduced call center dependency, and lower abandonment rates throughout the care journey. These improvements are especially critical in rural settings, where every touchpoint must be optimized for efficiency and accessibility.
Telehealth has emerged as a transformative force in rural healthcare, enabling patients to connect with clinicians and specialists without the need for long-distance travel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Publicis Sapient supported a major U.S. grocery chain in rapidly scaling its pharmacy operations to deliver millions of vaccinations. We developed a centralized, cloud-based platform that:
This digital transformation enabled the grocer to service over 10 million vaccination requests, reduce manual work for pharmacists by 50%, and cut prescription abandonment by 75%. For rural and underserved communities, these capabilities translate to more timely care, improved public health outcomes, and increased trust in the healthcare system.
Effective engagement in rural healthcare requires more than just digital access—it demands personalized, empathetic experiences that meet patients where they are. Publicis Sapient’s approach leverages data and AI to:
For example, our work with a large health system resulted in a 43 percentage point improvement in medication adherence and a 60 percentage point increase in rehab attendance for cardiac patients. These outcomes are especially meaningful in communities where follow-up care is often difficult to access.
Drawing from our experience, several best practices have proven effective in rural and underserved settings:
Our commitment to digital healthcare transformation is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique needs of rural and underserved communities. By modernizing legacy systems, enabling platform interoperability, and designing for empathy and engagement, we help organizations:
The future of rural healthcare is digital, connected, and patient-centric. Publicis Sapient stands ready to help health systems, public agencies, and community providers seize this opportunity—delivering better health experiences, improved outcomes, and sustainable growth for all.
Ready to transform healthcare access in your community? Let’s connect and put patients at the center of your digital journey.