Research in rural health has multiplied rapidly in recent years. Although there is currently no shortage of studies and questions, the want of answers remains. Despite a substantial investment in a variety of rural health care programs, there is inadequate information as to their effectiveness. Programs designed to increase the supply of health personnel to rural areas have met with mixed success; sites staffed by National Service Corps personnel show consistently lower productivity than sites under other sponsors. A persistent problem is the expectation that many rural health care programs must become financially self-sufficient, for stringent enforcement of this requirement may mean that those who need the services most will be least likely to receive them. Rather than focusing merely on a review of the published literature, this study directs attention toward ongoing research, examines unanswered questions, and suggests a framework for future coordination of research and evaluation efforts in the field. Particular emphasis is given to questions on access, manpower, and financing. The current state of knowledge in both published and unpublished literature in each area is summarized and a series of unresolved issues is raised. The bibliography cites 162 references, most of which were published since 1974. (AUTHOR/DS)