Improving access to preventive health care for children in rural Appalachia
Appalachian STAR Trial
This study is testing a new way to help kids aged 0-11 in rural Kentucky get better access to health services, like hearing checks, by using telehealth and school screenings, so they can stay healthy and get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| 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-10913627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to implement a new model of care in schools across rural Kentucky to improve access to preventive health services for children aged 0-11. By utilizing telehealth, the program seeks to address social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in underserved populations. The approach includes school-based screenings and direct access to specialists, with a focus on hearing health as a starting point. The goal is to create a sustainable model that can be replicated in other rural areas facing similar challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 living in rural Appalachian areas who face barriers to accessing health care.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0-11 or those living in urban areas may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance preventive health care access for children in rural communities, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar telehealth models in rural settings, particularly in Alaska, indicating potential for this approach in Appalachia.
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.