Journal article
Implementation of Telehealth Services in Rural Schools: A Qualitative Assessment
The Journal of school health, Vol.92(1), pp.71-78
01/01/2022
DOI: 10.1111/josh.13104
PMID: 34806199
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rural areas with health professional workforce shortages, telehealth offers an opportunity to address service gaps and meet the health needs of students. Few studies have examined telehealth implementation in rural schools. This study explores facilitators and barriers to the implementation of telehealth programs in rural schools and identifies strategies for successful implementation to inform future school-based telehealth initiatives. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 50 key informants involved in the implementation of telehealth programs funded through the School-Based Telehealth Network Grant Program. Researchers completed a thematic analysis of interview transcripts. RESULTS The most commonly cited barriers were technology, reimbursement for services, and facilitating acceptance of the telehealth among school staff, clinicians, parents, and students. Key informants identified strategies for facilitating program implementation, including technology training and support, marketing efforts, and integration into existing school processes. CONCLUSIONS School-based telehealth can augment clinical capacity in areas with clinician shortages. Entities interested in such an approach to care must engage with their school community to ensure successful implementation. For rural, school-based telehealth to gain greater adoption and be sustained, these services must be reimbursable by Medicaid and private insurers.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Implementation of Telehealth Services in Rural Schools: A Qualitative Assessment
- Creators
- Kimberley Fox - University of Southern MaineAmanda Burgess - University of Southern MaineMartha Elbaum Williamson - US Govt Accountabil Off, 441 G St NW, Washington, DC 20548 USAJohn Massey - University of Southern MaineGeorge Shaler - University of Southern MaineKaren Pearson - University of Southern MaineJennifer K. Mackenzie - University of Southern MaineKimberly Merchant - Univ Iowa, Coll Publ Hlth, 145 North Riverside Dr,N242 CPHB, Iowa City, IA 52242 USAXi Zhu - University of IowaMarcia Ward - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Journal of school health, Vol.92(1), pp.71-78
- DOI
- 10.1111/josh.13104
- PMID
- 34806199
- NLM abbreviation
- J Sch Health
- ISSN
- 0022-4391
- eISSN
- 1746-1561
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- UICRH290074 / Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; United States Department of Health & Human Services; United States Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2022
- Academic Unit
- Rural Telehealth Research Center; Health Management and Policy
- Record Identifier
- 9984364406002771
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