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. 2009 Sep 4;1(1):29-38.
doi: 10.5195/ijt.2009.6007. eCollection 2009 Fall.

A pilot telerehabilitation program: delivering early intervention services to rural families

Jana Cason  1
Affiliations

A pilot telerehabilitation program: delivering early intervention services to rural families

Jana Cason. Int J Telerehabil. .

Abstract

The enTECH Telerehabilitation Program explored the use of telerehabilitation as an alternative service delivery model for early intervention therapy services. Utilizing the Kentucky Telehealth Network, two families living in rural Kentucky received occupational therapy services over a 12-week period. Following program implementation, qualitative data was collected using participant journals and interviews. Data analysis identified three thematic categories related to the program: benefits/strengths, challenges/weaknesses, and recommendations for program improvement. Results of the program evaluation indicated that telerehabilitation has the potential to cost-effectively meet the therapeutic needs of children living in rural areas where provider shortages exist. The enTECH Telerehabilitation Program serves as a model for how telerehabilitation can be used to deliver early intervention services to ameliorate health disparities and improve access to rehabilitation services.

Keywords: Children; Cost Analysis; Early Intervention; Occupational Therapy; Program Evaluation; Rural; Telerehabilitation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Source - Kentucky Part C (First Steps) Annual Performance Report (FFY 2006); Monitoring Priority: Timely Services Indicator #1 – Page 3
Figure 2
Figure 2
Source - Kentucky Part C (First Steps) Annual Performance Report (FFY 2006); Monitoring Priority: Timely Services Indicator #1 – Page 2
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percent of Population Birth to Three with IFSPs (Data Source - Kentucky Part C Annual Report. (2008). Part C State Annual Performance Report (APR) for FFY 2006, Monitoring Priority: Child Find Indicator #6 – Page 1–2)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cost incurred for travel from Louisville to Hazard, Kentucky; 15 billed therapy hours
Figure 5
Figure 5
Cost comparison of community vs. telehealth services
Figure 6
Figure 6
Number of children serviced for approximately the same cost ($1335.00)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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