Interactive televideo and the Internet in rural case management

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to stir the imagination and incite the creative energies of case managers in finding ways to capitalize on communication and information technologies to improve access to care as well as the quality of care in rural communities. Today, the general dearth of services and logistics of providing services in rural areas challenges even the most seasoned case managers. Given the current economic and political climate, it is unlikely that these challenges will lessen, particularly if we continue to pursue our more traditional approaches to case management and service delivery. Telecommunications technologies are opening exciting opportunities for changing this trajectory and expanding the role and reach of case managers, while improving access to many services. This article highlights the new and the potential applications of interactive televideo in health and human services, as well as the vast opportunities offered by the Internet. There are, however, also pitfalls we must overcome to realize the full potential of these technologies. Case managers, in their roles as advocates, coordinators, and facilitators, are ideally positioned to be on the cutting edge of these technological applications and play a catalytic role in moving rural communities into the "information age."