Telehealth Grantee Directory

Network Partners:

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Mitchell, SD (3 sites-Wessington Springs, Platte, Parkston); Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, SD (4 sites-1 specialty clinic, 3 SD sites in Eureka, Miller, Britton); Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, SD (2 sites-1 hospital in O'Neill, NE, 1 local clinic); Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD (5 receiving sites-Sioux Center, IA, Pipestone, MN, Scotland SD; 2 mental health centers in Luverne, MN and Pierre, SD; various specialty physician providers).

Project Purpose:

Develop a telehealth disease management program focusing in the areas of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Diabetes, Asthma/Allergy, Mental Health and Dermatology; expand currently available telehealth specialty services to additional regional sites indicating a need, specifically in the area of pediatrics (cardiology, neurology and infectious disease); expand availability of Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training; continue the expansion of distance education events to interested regional facilities; establish a network-wide telehealth "standard of practice".

Outcomes Expected/Project Accomplishments:

1. Disease Management - a) CHF: compare admission/readmissions, improve patient education, improved quality of life (SF36); b) Diabetes: increase participation in appropriate diabetes management measures, compare hospitalizations, decrease hemoglobin A1C levels; c) Asthma/Allergy: compare emergency room visits, improve quality of life; d) Dermatology: increase access, improve provider efficiency; e) Mental Health: improve access; f) Pediatrics: (cardiology, neurology, infectious disease) - reduce patient travel, increase access and decrease diagnostic turn-around time, and g) Certified Nurses Assistant Training: increase access to state-required CNA training opportunities.

Service Area:

Includes 32 counties in: South Dakota (26), Iowa (1), Minnesota (2), and Nebraska (3) of which 21 counties are Primary Care HPSAs and 30 counties are Mental Health HPSAs.

Services Provided:

This network has been operational since December of 1993 and has provided a variety of services over the years. This project will focus on Disease Management (CHF, Diabetes, Asthma/Allergy, Dermatology, Mental Health); Pediatrics (Cardiology, Neurology, Infectious Disease), Certified Nurses Assistant training.

Equipment:

The interactive video portion utilizes various Polycom videoconferencing models, including iPower 9000, iPower 600, ViaVideos and various Viewstation models. The home telehealth equipment being used are the American Telecare Inc., model 1010.

Transmission:

Most sites utilize either a converged or a fractional T1. In addition, some sites will continue to utilize ISDN lines. The video bridge allows for both network options and provides "cross-networks" connectivity. The telehomehealth piece may also incorporate POTS lines.

Network Partners:

The Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC) began in October of 2006 and is a partnership of Avera Health, South Dakota; The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, South Dakota; North Dakota State University Telepharmacy Network, North Dakota; Saint Elizabeth Health System, Nebraska; and University of Minnesota Telehealth Network, Minnesota.

Project Purpose:

Increase telehealth utilization among rural and frontier health care providers by breaking down both geographic and experiential barriers. This center will serve telehealth programs in this region and nationally by focusing on individualized coaching services; providing information, assistance and direction as requested and needed; an on-line toolbox; and a regional telehealth conference.

Outcomes Expected/Project Accomplishments:

1. Increase the knowledge of applications, practices and research findings relating to telehealth.
2. Increase the quality and quantity of standards-based information regarding the best utilization of telehealth technologies.
3. Increase the number of contacts initiated by providers.
4. Improve the skill level of key staff members to conceptualize, plan, implement, and evaluate telehealth programs.
5. Increase the number of providers that utilize telehealth technology.

Service Area:

The Great Plains TRAC serves the five states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Assistance will also be provided to other entities in other locations as requested or needed.

Services Provided:

Services provided include: general one-on-one assistance and direction in topics such as telehealth policies/procedures, licensure, scheduling, evaluation, research, and others; on-line resource toolbox; annual regional conference; identify key regional issues; in general, help rural facilities acquire the skills/expertise to implement telehealth programs.

Equipment:

This project is primarily a collaboration project utilizing one-to-one communications (phone, email, etc.) in cooperation with on-line resources. No special equipment is anticipated.

Transmission:

No special transmission needs/specifications are required under this project.