Improving access to hearing care for children in rural Alaska through telemedicine

North STAR Trial: Specialty Telemedicine Access for Referrals in Rural Alaska

NIH-funded research Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11178011

This study is looking to make it easier for rural Alaska Native children to get the hearing care they need by using telehealth services right in their schools, so they can get help quickly without having to travel far.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Little Rock, United States)
Project IDNIH-11178011 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 challenges of geographic barriers and the scarcity of specialists by providing virtual specialty care for children who have undergone school hearing screenings. The project evaluates the effectiveness of this model in reducing loss to follow-up and improving overall access to necessary healthcare services. By leveraging existing telehealth networks, the initiative seeks to ensure that underserved children receive timely diagnoses and treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are rural Alaska Native children aged 0-11 who have undergone school hearing screenings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Alaska or who are outside the age range of 0-11 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve hearing health outcomes for rural Alaska Native children by ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with telehealth interventions in similar contexts, indicating potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Little Rock, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.