Screening and telemedicine referral for childhood hearing loss in rural Kentucky
Appalachian Specialty Telemedicine Access for Referrals (STAR) Trial
This study is testing a new way to check for hearing problems in kids at rural Kentucky schools using mobile health tools and telemedicine to make sure they get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arkansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT05513833 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates a multilevel intervention called the STAR model, which combines mobile health hearing screening tools with telemedicine to improve access to specialty care for childhood hearing loss in rural Kentucky schools. The intervention includes enhanced mHealth screening protocols, such as tympanometry, to detect middle ear disease, which is common in these settings. The study aims to address the challenges of follow-up care and the effectiveness of existing school-based hearing screening programs. By leveraging telemedicine, the STAR model seeks to ensure that children identified with hearing issues receive timely and appropriate referrals for further evaluation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children enrolled in elementary school within the 14 participating counties in rural Kentucky.
Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in school or those outside the designated counties may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve early detection and management of childhood hearing loss, leading to better long-term outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using telemedicine for specialty referrals in rural settings, such as in Alaska, have shown success in improving follow-up rates and timeliness of care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in school in one of the 14 participating counties * Initial entry into elementary school * Eligible regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity Exclusion Criteria: • N/A
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matt Bush, MD, PhD, MBA — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Susan Emmett, MD, MPH
- Email: sdemmett@uams.edu
- Phone: 501-603-1212
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.