Distance Learning, Telemedicine, Consumer and Community Education

Using the latest fiber-optic technology, the RCDC has initiated a two-way, fully interactive video system to reach out to communities statewide to increase access and delivery of its unique health-care services. This innovative use of video "telemedicine" technology, which allows doctors from their own offices to treat children in their classrooms, represents a first in the state. Ameritech, through its "Opportunity Indiana" plan, is bringing fiber-optic technology to interested hospitals, schools and government institutions to enable them to take advantage of advanced communications services. This technology enables the RCDC to extend its team of professionals representing 17 fields to treat children with developmental, learning and behavioral disabilities throughout Indiana. Through Ameritech's "Opportunity Indiana" video distance-learning network, which connects nearly 270 schools around the state, this team can interact with children in their normal community setting, and also strategically involve the child's local support system including teachers, families and medical personnel in the treatment process in ways that would not be possible otherwise because of distance barriers and costs.This approach enables the hospital to more fully deploy its resources and increase both the number of patients and the quality of care in cost-efficient manner a goal all healthcare providers seek in today's constantly changing environment. In addition, teachers and healthcare professionals can receive continuing education credits while patients receive clinical evaluations and treatment. The RCDC is continuing to use the technology in innovative ways, such as allowing children in the hospital to "visit" The Children's Museum in Indianapolis and view a live transmission from the planet Mars.

For more information contact :

Lann E. Thompson, Ed.D, ACSW

(317) 274-8167

E-mail : laethomp@iupui.edu