Telegenetics in Maine: Successful clinical and educational service delivery model developed from a 3-year pilot project

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this 3-year pilot project was to increase accessibility to genetics educational and clinical services in Maine.

Methods: Southern Maine Genetics Services, Foundation for Blood Research in collaboration with Maine Telemedicine Services established telemedicine capacity to link with rural health care centers located in Northern, Central, and Southern Maine and public health nursing statewide for the provision of genetics clinical and educational services. Core partners included a rural family practice residency program, a rural pediatric practice in northern Maine, and public health nurses statewide. The telegenetics model created was based on development and implementation of a preventive and medical management technology solution, conducting a pilot study to collect data, and approaching insurance companies for reimbursement. Evaluation included surveys on the quality, acceptability, and usefulness of genetics services delivered via telemedicine, telephone interviews, and decision-making confidence evaluations.

Results: During the project period, 24 rural clinical sites participated. In total, 93 presentations were given, and 125 patients were evaluated. Sixty-four percent of patients evaluated were pediatric. Despite site coordinator efforts to complete satisfaction surveys, the provider and patient response level was low (18% and 25%, respectively). Of those evaluations received, provider and patient response to telegenetics was positive. Decision-making confidence for genetics and neurology consultants was high. Our experience contributes to the development of telegenetics models that can be used in other rural states.