Improving eye care access in rural areas using telemedicine
I-TRUST: Implementation of Teleophthalmology in Rural Health Systems Study
This study is looking at how using telemedicine for eye exams can help people with diabetes in rural areas get better access to screenings for eye problems, which could help prevent vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10953925 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how teleophthalmology can enhance diabetic retinopathy screening in rural health systems. It aims to implement a program called I-SITE, which is designed to integrate teleophthalmology into the workflows of primary care clinics. By conducting a multi-center randomized controlled trial, the research will assess the effectiveness of this program, identify factors influencing its success, and evaluate the costs involved. Patients in rural areas will benefit from increased access to eye care services, potentially preventing blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in rural areas who are at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural areas or those who do not have diabetes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the rate of diabetic retinopathy screenings in rural communities, reducing the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that telemedicine can effectively improve access to healthcare services, suggesting that this approach may also succeed in enhancing diabetic retinopathy screening.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yao — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yao
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.