Improving access to hearing care for children in rural Alaska through telemedicine
North STAR Trial: Specialty Telemedicine Access for Referrals in Rural Alaska
This study is working to make it easier for rural Alaska Native kids to get the hearing care they need by using telehealth services right in their schools, helping to catch and treat hearing problems early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891611 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to specialty hearing care for rural Alaska Native children by implementing a telehealth model directly in schools. It addresses the high rates of preventable childhood hearing loss by reducing the loss to follow-up from school hearing screenings, which is a common issue in underserved areas. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this virtual specialty care model, which builds on previous successful telehealth initiatives in Alaska. By utilizing existing telehealth networks, the project seeks to ensure that children receive timely diagnoses and care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Alaska Native children aged 0-11 years who are at risk for hearing loss and attend schools in rural areas.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Alaska or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve hearing health outcomes for children in rural Alaska, leading to better educational and developmental achievements.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with telehealth models in improving access to care in similar underserved populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emmett, Susan Davis — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Emmett, Susan Davis
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.