This trial will evaluate a multilevel intervention (STAR model) that combines mobile health (mHealth) hearing screening tools with telemedicine technology for specialty care access in rural Kentucky schools. An initial version of the model was used in rural Alaska where telemedicine-based specialty referral improved both proportion of children receiving follow-up and time to follow-up. The refined STAR model will utilize an enhanced mHealth screening protocol that includes tympanometry for the detection of middle ear disease. The STAR model will also include a specialty telemedicine referral process in schools for children who refer school screening.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Proportion of children screened
Timeframe: School screening occurs once per school year, with timing and practices varying by school.
Proportion of children who receive follow-up
Timeframe: Proportion of children who receive follow-up will be measured by the occurrence of an ear/hearing encounter, up to 60 days from the date of screening.