Dr. Eswaran has been with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for 16 years where he serves as a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and as the Scientific Director of SARA (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Array for Reproductive Assessment). Dr. Eswaran holds a PhD in Applied Science and has also been recognized as an Interdisciplinary Research Leader by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) where he helps to equip teams of researchers and on-the-ground change agents with advanced leadership skills and a clear focus on health and equity, allowing them to apply health research and policy to meet the pressing needs of communities.

“The entire SCTRC project team is excited for the opportunity to work more closely with Dr. Eswaran. He is an experienced Researcher and is the International Telehealth Coordinator for the UAMS Center for Distance Health. He has a wealth of experience in telehealth and connected health research.” – Wendy Ross, Assistant Director.

Over the years, Dr. Eswaran has published more than 100 papers and served as a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Biocomputing and Health Informatics panel.

As the Scientific Director of SARA, Dr. Eswaran leads research efforts to help physicians detect and prevent brain damage resulting from maternal hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions, through the use of a scanning device.

His focus on research led Dr. Eswaran to become a Co-Founder of the Society for Education and the Advancement of Research in Connected Health (SEARCH) and a member of the SEARCH2018 Scientific Committee.

Welcome to the team, Dr. Eswaran!

The post Eswaran Named Principal Investigator of South Central Telehealth Resource Center appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Identifying the need for a specific telehealth program may seem relatively easy; however, gathering information to support and develop a successful program requires a plan.

This is part 1 of a three-part blog series that will provide an overview of each phase of the California Telehealth Resource Center and the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers‘ 3-phase telehealth program development plan. This plan, combined with resources available in the South Central Telehealth Resource Center service area, can help you build a successful telehealth program. Check back often for resource updates.

The complexity of your project will determine the time required to complete each phase. It’s important to remember that making decisions without the appropriate information can cost you time and money in the long run. Learning from the experiences of others can also be valuable to your development process.

While working through the process steps, be sure to document your responses. This information will help you define a program model and build a business case.

Click a phase below to get started:

Phase 1: Assess & Define

Phase 2: Develop & Plan

Phase 3: Implement & Monitor

The post The Telehealth Professional’s Guide to Successful Program Development appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

• easy-to-access
• cost-effective
• convenient
• quality-focused

Provider access to affordable broadband and delivery methods, such as smart phones, tablets and iPads, are driving telehealth to become a delivery platform that can meet consumer needs.

On a daily basis, health care professionals are finding new ways to use telehealth technology to achieve positive outcomes for consumers. For example, telehealth is being used in the management of chronic diseases and follow up/triage programs, which can reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.

Reimbursement is also key to telehealth program growth. New legislation at state and federal levels is making it possible for telehealth services to be reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance carriers. It is an exciting time to be involved with telehealth!

If you want to integrate a telehealth program into your practice, it is important to benchmark successful programs that are driven by quality and developed through a proven process.

Can you identify these 7 qualities of successful telehealth program?

1. Reaches into the community and meets specific needs
   During program development, a needs assessment process helps identify specific needs within a community. For example, your community may have a large number of citizens who need diabetes or nutritional counseling. Developing programs that meet specific needs will help ensure successful outcomes.
2. Establishes an effective work environment by integrating telehealth services into everyday practice
   Telehealth services that are integrated into daily workflow become part of the patient care process. While telehealth doesn’t replace face-to-face visits, it can supplement care and help build doctor/patient relationships.
3. Provides services through a trained health care team
   Training provides information, experience and skills to confidently perform job-specific activities. In addition to training on the proper use of equipment, a trained team also follows established processes and procedures to ensure quality outcomes.
4. Utilizes the technology needed to support programs/services
   Successful telehealth programs use adequate bandwidth, HIPAA-compliant software, appropriate hardware and delivery methods that meet patient needs.
5. Reduces patient anxiety by creating a positive telehealth experience
   Patients need to understand that their care, privacy and safety is important in a telehealth encounter. Patients should be informed about any required forms and the billing process. Helping patients understand that they will be treated the same way via telehealth as they would be in a face-to-face environment and walking them through what happens during the telehealth visit ensures a positive experience.
6. Targets quality of care and quality of life
   In addition to connecting patients with a primary care physician or APRN, telehealth can facilitate access to specialists and subspecialists. Telehealth can save time and money by reducing travel for both providers and patients. It also allows patients to remain in their communities, which means they will fill prescriptions, purchase groceries, etc.
7. Sustains services through reimbursement
   In addition to self-pay patients, reimbursement can be sought through Medicaid, Medicare and commercial/private payers. It is important to note that each state can pass their own laws regarding telehealth coverage. Providers should investigate reimbursement options in their state during the program development process.

To learn more about telehealth and program development, check out the resources provided below.

If you are interested in learning more about the telehealth program development process,
read this blog series:

• The Telehealth Professional’s Guide to Successful Program Development

If you are interested in telehealth case studies, watch this video:

• Telehealth Case Studies

If you are interested in learning via podcast:

• Telehealth Talk

If you are interested in learning how to build your telehealth team, take this free course module:

• Building Your Telehealth Team

If you are interested in learning more about policy and reimbursement, bookmark these resources:

• Center for Connected Health Policy – state and national policy information
• Legislative Updates for AR, TN, MS are published on Learn Telehealth as they become available.

 If you are interested in learning more about telehealth technology, bookmark this resource:

National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC) – free telehealth assessment tool kits and guidance

The post Can you identify 7 qualities of a successful telehealth program? appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Join the STAR Team, Alan Faulkner, Program Manager, and Tina Pilgreen, Health Educator/Outreach Coordinator, as they discuss details about their school-based telemedicine program including barriers and lessons.

This event was recorded on July 25, 2018.  It will require approximately one hour of your time.

Follow-Up Participant Questions:

Are there school-based telepractice services for speech and language pathology in Arkansas? 

As far as I know, there isn’t anything being done in Arkansas right now, but I know this is something needed in Arkansas. There are some issues to work through such as parents present at IEP meetings, etc. This service is being discussed.

Can we get STAR into all Arkansas schools?

Funding is the biggest issue. If we can get the program self sustainable and get Medicaid to reimburse for services via telemedicine in the schools, then we hope to roll it out to all the school-based health centers.

Can schools go out for their own funding with grants?

Absolutely. There are plenty of grants out there specifically for these areas, especially in the rural schools. A lot will depend on if the schools are incorporating telemedicine equipment or only broadening their program, etc. I think we will see a lot of growth in Arkansas as laws and coverage change, especially with Medicaid and schools. Many of our Arkansas students are covered by Medicaid.

What school personnel are used as facilitators during service delivery, if any?

Right now, for the behavioral health consults being conducted in schools, the providers have counselors or licensed clinical social workers working in the school-based health centers. The counselors and clinical social workers are the personnel facilitating the behavioral health consults, medication management, and the annual psych assessment.

For the Healthy Now program, we are relying heavily on the school-based health care coordinators who are employees of the school district. When meeting with University of Central Arkansas (UCA) students, there must be someone present. The school-based health care coordinator or the school nurse usually fulfill this duty.

What is the process to get a school-based health center at my school?

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADH) offers a grant program. If you are interested in a contact at ADH, contact Alan Faulkner at akfaulkner@uams.edu.

Resources

STAR Website

Enhancing Student Wellness through School-Based Telemedicine

The post Quarterly Thought Conference ARCHIVED: STAR – School Telemedicine in Arkansas appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Episode 21 features Sarah Rhoads, PhD, DNP, professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and former director of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center.

Listen as Dr. Rhoads discusses how to provide telehealth education to key shareholders to encourage program participation.

During her presentation, Dr. Rhoads shares:

• How to get from an idea to a successful implementation
• Why it is important to get the right people at the table
• Why testing is needed before a launch
• Who needs support in the project
• When a process should be developed
• What reworking a process can do for a project
• Why communication is key
• Who should celebrate successes
• Why keeping perspective is important

Let’s keep the conversation going. You can follow the podcast on Twitter @telehealthtalk or email your thoughts and questions to info@learntelehealth.org. Don’t miss out on this valuable educational resource!

Telehealth Talk is the only monthly podcast devoted to Telehealth. Fans can also access this conversational-style podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

This episode is approximately 15 minutes in length.

Resources

Slides: Patient Provider Engagement

Telehealth Talk Podcast Series

The post Telehealth Talk: Patient Provider Engagement (Episode 21) appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Click here to register!

The SEARCH2018 Telehealth Research Symposium, scheduled for October 24 – 25 in San Diego, CA, will focus on sharing findings from existing telehealth research to demonstrate lessons learned from connected health programs with an emphasis on planning, research, training and education. It will provide insight for developing new programs and encourage emphasis on quality initiatives and telehealth measures.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dr. Peter Yellowlees

The SEARCH2018 Telehealth Research Symposium is thrilled to announce one of this year’s keynote speakers, Dr. Peter Yellowlees!

PANEL DISCUSSION – Measuring Value in Telehealth: Finding the Right Solution or Asking the Wrong Question?

A paradigm shift is occurring in healthcare that spans the volume of services delivered to the value created for patients and health systems.

The post Exciting Announcements from SEARCH2018! appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Click here to register!

The SEARCH Telehealth Research Symposium, scheduled for October 24 – 25 in San Diego, CA, will focus on sharing findings from existing telehealth research to demonstrate lessons learned from connected health programs with an emphasis on planning, research, training and education. It will provide insight for developing new programs and encourage emphasis on quality initiatives and telehealth measures.

Confirmed speakers at SEARCH2018 include Elizabeth Krupinski, Ph.D. of Emory University, Judd Hollander, M.D. of Thomas Jefferson University and Kathy Wibberly, Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center. Don’t miss their informative presentations!

The 2018 symposium is supported by SEARCH, the West Health Institute, and the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers. For more information or to register for the event, go to: SEARCHSociety.org or email info@searchsociety.org.

Studies that assess diagnostic accuracy and/or agreement between tele and traditional delivery models are critical. This session will focus on key metrics used to assess a successful study. Join Dr. Elizabeth Krupinski as she discusses: Basic measures of accuracy, including true & false, positives & negatives, and more Reader agreement assessment metrics, including kappa, Bland Altman, and more Tips for a good study design

Finding the right audience is key to incorporating scientific knowledge and translation into practice. Join Dr. Judd Hollander as he discusses: How to determine the right audience for your research How to “sell” your research to the right audience Easy ways to write your manuscript

The post Check out these SEARCH2018 Featured Presentations appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Throughout the event, attendees will participate in hands-on demonstrations led by TTAC Director, Doris Barta, and Telehealth Technology Specialist, Jordan Berg.

Barta states, “The Showcase is designed for participant interaction. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss technology with individuals who are new to telehealth or planning an expansion to their current program.”

Doris Barta, Director, National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC)

TTAC, located in Anchorage, Alaska, offers a variety of services in the area of technology assessment and assists consumers with selecting appropriate technologies for their telehealth program. The TTAC website (telehealthtechnology.org) provides free toolkits for recently assessed products and apps.

According to Berg, “Selecting the right equipment is a process that considers the needs and goals of your telemedicine program. Technology assessment includes consideration of the ability of users, types of services, and costs. In New Orleans, we will walk participants through a seven-step process designed to assess technological needs of any telemedicine program.”

Jordan Berg, Telehealth Coordinator, TTAC, demonstrates a telehealth peripheral.

The summit is a collaborative effort of HRSA-funded Telehealth Resource Centers, including Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center, South Central Telehealth Resource Center, Heartland Telehealth Resource Center, TexLa Telehealth Resource Center, and the National Telehealth Resource Center for Technology Assessment.

The event is geared toward healthcare providers, physicians, specialists, nurses, hospital and health care administrators, and policy makers. Click here to register.

Watch LearnTelehealth.org for updates!

The post Hands-On Technology Demos are the Focus of New Orleans Telehealth Technology Summit appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Abstracts deadline extended to July 20th for research in connected health programs

Little Rock, AR and San Diego, CA – July 11, 2018 – The 4^th Society for Education and the Advancement of Research in Connected Health (SEARCH) Telehealth Research Symposium will take place on October 24^th and 25^th, 2018 in San Diego, CA. The annual meeting brings together leading clinicians, researchers, administrators and thought leaders to discuss how telehealth can be used to improve healthcare delivery.

SEARCH2018 will focus on sharing findings from existing telehealth research to demonstrate lessons learned from connected health programs with an emphasis on planning, research, training and education. It will provide insight for developing new programs and encourage emphasis on quality initiatives and telehealth measures. Researchers and clinicians are welcome to submit abstracts on relevant presentations or poster topics by July 20, 2018, with confirmed presenters to be notified by end of August. Register and submit abstracts for the conference at http://searchsociety.org/search2018/.

“Researchers developing new telehealth processes and care models need an independent, neutral space for them to learn from each other and discuss how these technologies can help improve patient care,” said Dr. Curtis Lowery, President of SEARCH. “SEARCH2018 marks another major step for the advancement of telehealth and connected health research as our Society provides an unbiased, high-quality meeting for clinicians, researchers, faculty and students. This is an opportunity to present findings, collaborate and help to plan the future focus of research in connected health.”

Hosted by SEARCH and sponsored by the Gary and Mary West Health Institute, which is dedicated to helping seniors successfully age in place, the symposium will be held at the Roth Auditorium near Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine in La Jolla, California.

“With our nation’s aging demographic and high cost of healthcare, we must improve the efficiency of our healthcare system, and telehealth and connected health solutions are essential to delivering care for seniors where and when they want it,” said Dr. Zia Agha, chief medical officer of the West Health Institute. “We’re proud to support SEARCH2018 and highlight the transformations that health systems, payers, providers and patients are experiencing from deploying telehealth programs that improve care delivery.”

Confirmed speakers at SEARCH2018 include Elizabeth Krupinski, Ph.D. of Emory University, Judd Hollander, M.D. of Thomas Jefferson University and Jonathon Mack, Ph.D. of the University of San Diego.

The 2018 symposium is supported by SEARCH, the West Health Institute, and the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers. For more information or to register for the event, go to: SEARCHSociety.org or email info@searchsociety.org.

About West Health

Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health includes the nonprofit and nonpartisan Gary and Mary West Health Institute and Gary and Mary West Foundation in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C. These organizations are working together toward a shared mission dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. For more information, visit westhealth.org and follow @westhealth.

About National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers

The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) provides assistance, education, and information to organizations and individuals who are actively providing or interested in providing health care at a distance. The TRC charter from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth is to assist in expanding the availability of healthcare to underserved populations. For more information, visit telehealthresourcecenter.org.

About SEARCH

The Society for Education and the Advancement of Research in Connected Health (SEARCH) is comprised of connected health researchers with a goal to promote connected health programs using evidenced-based research. SEARCH hosts an annual meeting of open discussion revolving around telemedicine research, findings, and national priorities with the goal to share the findings and foster research collaborations among researchers and organizations who wish to define and develop the field of connected health research. For more information, visit SEARCHSociety.org.

Media Contacts:

Tim Ingersoll

tpingersoll@westhealth.org

858-412-8727

Wendy Ross

wross2@uams.edu

501-526-6211

The post SEARCH2018 Symposium Brings Together Telehealth Researchers Focused on Proving the Benefits of Connected Health appeared first on LearnTelehealth.

Episode 20 features Matt Quinn, Senior Advisor of Health Technology, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Listen as Mr. Quinn discusses resources for advancing health IT and Quality through HRSA.

During his presentation, you will learn:

• How HRSA is structured and serves communities
• HRSA’s involvement with health IT and quality
• How you can work with HRSA

Let’s keep the conversation going. You can follow the podcast on Twitter @telehealthtalk or email your thoughts and questions to info@learntelehealth.org. Don’t miss out on this valuable educational resource!

Telehealth Talk is the only monthly podcast devoted to Telehealth. Fans can also access this conversational-style podcast on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

This episode is approximately 15 minutes in length.

Resources

HRSA Website

Telehealth Talk Podcast Series

The post Telehealth Talk: Resources for Advancing Health IT and Quality (Episode 20) appeared first on LearnTelehealth.