title: Preliminary Evidence for the Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autism affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the United States. Early identification and access to intervention services promote improved outcomes for children with autism and other developmental delays. Children living in rural and underserved areas have limited access to such services and are diagnosed later than those living more suburban and urban areas. Our Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine (ISUT) Model uses a cost-effective method for families to access diagnostic and other specialty care through telemedicine. This model links families, trained early intervention providers and educators, and university-based medical professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  We trained autism diagnostic teams throughout the state who completed diagnostic measures and connected to university medical center teams for final diagnosis of autism and coexisting conditions. We gathered preliminary data to measure the impact of the ISUT model on access to services, potential cost savings for families, and parent satisfaction with the model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preliminary data indicate that our ISUT model provided families in rural and underserved areas improved access to diagnostic services as well as cost savings for travel. Our satisfaction data indicate that parents are equally satisfied with services received through the ISUT and through the University-Based Medical Center Team Model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ISUT model provides a unique collaboration among the family, educational system, autism experts in the community, and the university medical center autism team while providing a cost-effective means for families to access specialty care while promoting coordination of care within the community.
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: R Matthew
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Reese
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.affiliation: 2 Technical Assistance Support Network , University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoffmeier
authors.affiliation: 2 Technical Assistance Support Network , University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stickle
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Louann
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rinner
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ellerbeck
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jamison
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wendland
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jarrett
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Child Health and Development, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hadorn
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017046:Cost Savings; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D017146:Models, Organizational; D018511:Systems Integration; D017216:Telemedicine; D014481:United States
keywords: autism; diagnosis; parent satisfaction; pediatrics; rural health; telemedicine