Preliminary Evidence for the Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine

Preliminary Evidence for the Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine

Autism affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the United States. Early identification and access to intervention services promote improved outcomes for children with autism and other developmental delays. Children living in rural and underserved areas have limited access to such services and are dia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Telemedicine journal and e-health Vol. 21; no. 7; p. 581
Main Authors: Reese, R Matthew, Braun, Matthew J, Hoffmeier, Sarah, Stickle, Lee, Rinner, Louann, Smith, Catherine, Ellerbeck, Kathryn, Jamison, Rene, Wendland, Maura, Jarrett, Lindsey, Hadorn, Megan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 01-07-2015
Subjects:
Autistic Disorder
Child
Child Health Services
Child, Preschool
Cost Savings
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Medically Underserved Area
Models, Organizational
Systems Integration
Telemedicine
United States
parent satisfaction
telemedicine
diagnosis
rural health
autism
pediatrics
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Summary:Autism affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the United States. Early identification and access to intervention services promote improved outcomes for children with autism and other developmental delays. Children living in rural and underserved areas have limited access to such services and are diagnosed later than those living more suburban and urban areas. Our Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine (ISUT) Model uses a cost-effective method for families to access diagnostic and other specialty care through telemedicine. This model links families, trained early intervention providers and educators, and university-based medical professionals. We trained autism diagnostic teams throughout the state who completed diagnostic measures and connected to university medical center teams for final diagnosis of autism and coexisting conditions. We gathered preliminary data to measure the impact of the ISUT model on access to services, potential cost savings for families, and parent satisfaction with the model. Preliminary data indicate that our ISUT model provided families in rural and underserved areas improved access to diagnostic services as well as cost savings for travel. Our satisfaction data indicate that parents are equally satisfied with services received through the ISUT and through the University-Based Medical Center Team Model. The ISUT model provides a unique collaboration among the family, educational system, autism experts in the community, and the university medical center autism team while providing a cost-effective means for families to access specialty care while promoting coordination of care within the community.
ISSN:1556-3669
DOI:10.1089/tmj.2014.0124