Healthcare IT News recently asked its readers what they think is the biggest benefit of the rural jobs initiative. The initiative, launched by the Obama administration, is aimed at improving job creation in rural areas, and includes awards for health IT.

[See also: Obama’s new rural jobs initiative includes health IT.]

Readers were split on the issue: 50 percent of respondents think the initiative will expand health IT innovation and implementation in rural communities.

Improved access to healthcare workers was chosen by the remaining 50 percent of respondents.

The awards are intended to spur health IT adoption in rural communities, making it easier for patients who do not live near a hospital or other healthcare facility to access providers and receive healthcare services.

The date range of the survey was August 15, 2011 to September 2, 2011.