JSET

JSET Articles Index

Volume 19 Number 1

Pediatric Tele-health Consultation to Rural Schools and Clinics in the Pacific Northwest
Stephen Sulzbacher, Jennifer Mas, Eric H. Larson, David B. Shurtleff
University of Washington

Abstract

Video teleconferencing is a technology whose usefulness in providing specialist support for special education programs is just emerging. In 1996, video tele-health consultation was incorporated into a long-standing program of on-site pediatric outreach consultation to primary care doctors and clinics throughout the Pacific Northwest. Many of the referrals involved school-related problems. Technological advances like the K-20 Network (http://www.k12.wa.us/k20/) linking all Washington State school districts, enabled expansion of tele-health consultation to schools, particularly teachers of children with special health care needs. Referral patterns indicate tele-health consultation is most effective when coordinated with an on-site outreach program. We found significant advantages to using interactive video teleconferencing for consultation on children with complex special health care needs, especially when schools, community agencies, families, and practitioners are involved.

[ back to index ]