Dear Colleagues,
We hope you're doing well, and are finding time to enjoy all the fun and foliage our region has to offer this time of year! This edition of Northeast Connections aims to help you digest the multitudes of things happening across the telehealth landscape, including multiple new NETRC Resources, a recap of our 7th annual conference, Upcoming Webinars & Events, and so much more.
Before we dive in, we recognize that the continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, and the COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts have both caused us all to continue considering our workflows and operational efforts, and we want you to know that the NETRC team is here to help however we can as you focus on continuing to deliver care to your patients and communities.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with your telehealth questions or success stories, or just to say hello!
On behalf of the entire NETRC Team – Be well,
Reid Plimpton, MPH - Project Manager
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Open Funding Opportunities |
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NETRC's 2021 Telehealth Launchpad Highlights & On-Demand Information
The NETRC 2021 Conference was one to remember! Our first ever Hybrid Event had over 200 attendees across the 2-day event using both the in-person and virtual mediums, and was action packed with unique and informative sessions across a multitude of use cases.
Presentation topics ranged from: Digital Divide Discussions to FQHC Strategic Telehealth Planning, & from Patient Satisfaction, and User Design Considerations to Regional Disaster and Response Planning Grants, and beyond. The NETRC Team would like to extend another huge round of appreciation and thanks to the Speakers and Sponsors who helped make TelehealthLaunchpad2021 one for the books!
We hope the event provided an opportunity to learn about best practice and innovation, network with colleagues, and identify new opportunities to leverage and/or promote telehealth moving forward! Thanks again to all who attended, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022!
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The majority of the 25+ conference presentations & all of the presentation slides, along with additional resources from our event Industry Partners & Sponsors are now available on the EventMobi Conference Platform; for those who attended, Click here to access the platform
CME & CEU Evaluation Survey- Please complete the necessary materials by 10/18 to ensure credits are received. refer to the "Post Conference Attendee Messaging" email that went out last week (see here), or contact Phonse Allen-Laney at aralaney@mcdph.org
For those who were unable to attend the event but are interested in viewing the recorded sessions from NETRC’s conference, contact Phonse Allen-Laney at aralaney@mcdph.org or netrc@mcd.org to discuss access opportunities!
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Please Join the NETRC Team & Our Friends at Zoom in Congratulating the First Annual Michael Edwards, PhD Memorial Award Recipient!
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"The Michael Edwards, PhD Memorial Award: For the Advancement of Telehealth in the Northeast" was created in 2021 to honor our dearly missed colleague by continuing to do what Michael did every day: Recognize and elevate the telehealth professionals who are doing some of the most innovative, and impactful telehealth efforts in rural or underserved regions.
The NETRC team intends to make this award a permanent fixture of our annual events, and it's with great appreciation and honor the NETRC team presented the 2021 award to:
Maureen Donovan, M.ED (photo left)
Program Manager of the TeleBehavioral Health Counseling Program
Heywood Hospital – Heywood Healthcare
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NEW NETRC Open Access E-Learning Module:
Telehealth Basics for Community Health Workers
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We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to NETRC’s TelehealthClassroom.org, Telehealth Basics for Community Health Workers!
The design of this course was a direct result of interviews and focus groups with community health workers (CHWs), community health teams (CHTs), and a national survey of CHWs conducted during the early months of 2021. This self-paced training is intended for CHWs, CHTs, patient navigators, health coaches, health educators, peer counselors, and other individuals who assist clients in the prevention, management, and self-management of chronic health conditions using technological tools and telehealth. This course is not intended to replace CHW core competency training, but rather to complement it, and provide CHWs and others with additional education, skill building, and access to resources to aide their clients with technology and telehealth.
The course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as:
- What is Telehealth
- Telehealth Modalities
- Assessing Technology and Telehealth Readiness
- CHWs: Roles and Implications for Telehealth
- Community Health Worker Skills
- Technology and Telehealth Activities
Like all resources available on TelehealthClassroom.org, Telehealth Basics for Community Health Workers, is available with free registration to this Portal.
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Open Funding Opportunities |
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FCC/ USAC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program- Program Updates
On September 3-th, the FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced over six million households have enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, the nation’s largest broadband affordability program to date. The $3.2 billion subsidy program initiated by Congress provides a temporary $50 to $75 discount on eligible households’ internet bills during the duration of the pandemic.
“The response to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program confirms what many of us knew to be true: too many families remain offline because it’s too expensive for their monthly budget,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Now, thanks to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, millions of kids can better keep up with their schoolwork, parents can train for their next jobs, and patients can stay in contact with their doctors. The FCC is not stopping until we reach as many eligible families so they too can get the support they need."
program. The benefit is available to eligible new, prior, and existing customers of participating
providers. Customers can sign up by contacting a participating provider, enroll online at
https://www.getemergencybroadband.org, or sign up via mail. To learn more or learn where to
access a mail-in application, call (833) 511-0311.
We invite you to continue working with us to spread the word about this timely program. As a reminder, the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit outreach toolkit is a free, accessible, and effective way to add accurate information and graphics to your outreach campaigns.
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FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund Updates
In late August, the FCC announced that requests for $5.137 billion in funding to support 9.1 million connected devices and 5.4 million broadband connections were received during the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program's initial filing window. The window, which closed August 13, 2021, had applicants from all 50 states and numerous U.S. territories. Additional information about the demand at the state level can be found here.
In view of outstanding demand and the recent spike in coronavirus cases, the FCC will open a second application filing window for schools and libraries to request funding from the roughly $2 billion in program funds remaining for connected devices and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons for the current 2021-22 school year. The second window will open on September 28 and run until October 13. Eligible schools and libraries will be able to apply for financial support to purchase eligible equipment and services for students, school staff and library patrons with unmet needs.
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Open Telehealth Job Opportunities |
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MCD Public Health is now hiring for a Telehealth Coordinator to join our awesome team!
Do you have a passion for healthcare quality improvement? Do you want to help transform rural healthcare and public health through digital technologies and telehealth? Medical Care Development, Inc. (MCD), a non-profit, global public health services organization, is accepting applications for a public health professional to join our team and serve as the Project Coordinator - Telehealth. The Project Coordinator - Telehealth will support both the Collaborative for Advancing Rural Excellence and Equity to improve access to eLearning programs and professional development resources for rural health care professionals, and the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC) that aims to improve rural consumer access to health care through telecommunications technologies
This position will be based at our Augusta, Maine office, but remote work options will be considered. The Project Coordinator - Telehealth position is a full-time, 40 hour per week position that is eligible for MCD’s benefit package. To apply, please submit the following:
•A cover letter and resume
•Your salary expectations
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The MaineHealth Telehealth Department has an exciting opportunity to join the team as a Telehealth Program Coordinator!
This is a new position to join this ever expanding department. This program will be supporting a new 5 year HRSA Evidence Based Telehealth Network Program (EB THNP) focusing on implementing and researching the impact of multiple telehealth interventions for diabetic patients in rural primary care settings. The Program Coordinator is accountable for supporting the development, implementation, operation, and daily coordination of the THNP grant. They will assist in organizing processes that ensure program goals are met, measured, analyzed, evaluated and reported. They are the first level of contact for all vendors, internal and external stakeholders.
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The University of New Hampshire is hiring for a Director of Interprofessional Education and the Telehealth Practice Center!
This new position, reporting to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, will engage in the academic mission of the College to strengthen the IPE curriculum and the growth of Telehealth Practice Center. Responsibilities include the integration of telepractice and e-health modalities in undergraduate and graduate education, service, and research for the health and human services disciplines across UNH. Ideal candidates will hold an advanced degree in a related field, exhibit an understanding of best practices around IPE in health and human services curricula, demonstrate clinical knowledge and understanding of the implementation of digital health technologies into service delivery, and have experience in the area(s) of sustainability planning and grant development and management.
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Upcoming Webinars and Events |
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NCTRC Webinar - Thursday October 14th, 2-3pm EST Ransomware in Health
Hosted by: Southwest Telehealth Resource Center
Outcome Objectives:
-Describe the basics of ransomware and why it poses cybersecurity and other risks.
-Determine weaknesses in healthcare systems.
-Identify methods to counteract ransomware in medical settings.
Speakers:
-Jeanne E. Varner Powell, JD, Senior Legal Risk Management Consultant, MICA
-David Shelley, President, BVA Inc.
Moderator:
Michael J Holcomb, Associate Director, Information Technology, Southwest Telehealth Resource Center, Arizona Telemedicine Program
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UNH Advancing Nursing Education Workforce ECHO Opportunity
11/2/21-5/3/22
The Preceptor ECHO to Enhance Rotations (PEER) program will take place on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 12pm-1pm EST from November 2nd, 2021 to May 3rd, 2022.
Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based method developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico. During teleECHO™ sessions, expert mentors share their expertise across a virtual network via case-based learning.
The program will enable participants to:
-Discover strategies through case-based shared learning across clinical preceptor sites throughout New England and beyond
-Participate in a learning community of preceptors and practice sites
-Share and develop competencies for rural and underserved preceptor sites
-Explore opportunities to enhance precepting systems
Click the Image above or go here to learn more and apply! |
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New England Rural Health Association Annual Conference
11/3 & 11/4
Don't miss this year's NERHA Conference, Themed: Rural Resiliency: Innovation and the Journey Forward, Hosted at the Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine.
This conference is an opportunity for rural healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, educators, students and community leaders to learn from experts in rural topics, and to network with each other.
Designed to involve all sectors that impact the health of people in rural New England, this multidisciplinary event gives attendees the opportunity to delve into specific areas of interest or participate in sessions spanning a variety of topic areas. This event is designed to meet the needs of those interested in improving the health and wellbeing of our region's rural communities. Over the past 20+ years, the NERHA annual conference has become one of the Association's largest events, attracting over 300 participants. this event will be in person this year and also offering the opportunity to join in virtually as well!
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TeleSpecialists CME Lunch & Learn Webinar Series: Trauma and Burnout in Medical Professionals and Staff During COVID
October 27, 2021 12:00 Eastern Time
The COVID pandemic has led to multiple unexpected outcomes for providers and medical staff on the front lines of treatment. In addition to risk and worry over infectious exposures, staff and providers have also had to deal with high census, increased critical care bed usage, the steep learning curve of treatment for a novel illness, and much more.
Studies report epidemic proportions of provider and staff burnout, leading to negative mental health outcomes, turnover, poor morale, and in some instances, a desire to consider jobs outside of the medical profession.
This lecture by TeleSpecialists psychiatrist Dr. Kimberly “Kim” Kjome will:
-Identify reasons, signs and symptoms of burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma
-Provide useful insights and coping skills
-Help providers and staff identify symptoms in themselves and others
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Featured Telehealth News
A larger news compilation can be found on the NETRC site here.
FCC Announces Latest Awards From COVID-19 Telehealth Program
mHealthIntelligence September 30, 2021 Link
More than 70 healthcare organizations will receive funding from the Federal Communications Commission's COVID-19 Telehealth Program for projects aimed at expanding connected health platforms to improve access to care during the pandemic.
University of New England to Become Telehealth Education Hub
mHealthIntelligence September 30, 2021 Link
The US Health Resources and Service Administration has funded a project to increase telehealth distribution in rural areas of New England and has named the University of New England a telehealth education hub.
California Extends HIPAA Telehealth Waiver to End of PHE
mHealthIntelligence September 29, 2021 Link
California Governor Gavin Newsom has extended an emergency order enacted in 2020 that protects physicians from HIPAA penalties should they accidentally expose patient data during the good faith provision of telehealth.
Thomas Jefferson University Takes on Telehealth, mHealth Barriers
mHealthIntelligence September 29, 2021 Link
The Philadelphia-based university has launched the Jefferson Center for Connected Care, which aims to tackle the digital divide and address the barriers to care that telehealth and mHealth can both cause and conquer.
Telestroke Adoption Not Associated with Changes in Patient Outcomes
mHealthIntelligence September 28, 2021 Link
Harvard researchers did not find any association between telestroke adoption in hospitals and changes in annual stroke volumes and interhospital transfer rates.
HRSA Health Centers to Get $1B for Telehealth, Other Upgrades
mHealthIntelligence September 28, 2021 Link
The Biden Administration is awarding nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funding through the HRSA to about 1,300 health centers across the country for capital improvements, including telehealth expansion.
Researchers Develop an mHealth Wearable That Can Deliver Vaccines
mHealthIntelligence September 27, 2021 Link
Researchers at Stanford and UNC have developed an mHealth wearable that can take the sting out of vaccine delivery, improve the effectiveness of the vaccine and be mass-produced for distribution in underserved regions.
New Healthcare Platform for Black Americans Will Include Telehealth, mHealth
mHealthIntelligence September 24, 2021 Link
A new effort by several large corporations to address access and health equity issues among Black Americans will include telehealth and mHealth services.
Addiction Recovery Specialists Find Unexpected Advantages to Using Telehealth
mHealthIntelligence September 23, 2021 Link
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Addiction Recovery Program is one of many across the country that has turned to telehealth to treat patients and their families during the pandemic. And they're seeing good results with a virtual platform.
Providence forms philanthropy initiative to tackle health equity, IT innovation
HealthcareITNews September 23, 2021 Link
The new Providence National Foundation is targeting technologies and strategies for wider access to personalized care, including telehealth, genome sequencing, data mapping and more.
Telehealth May Improve Outcomes for Children with Chronic Conditions
mHealthIntelligence September 23, 2021 Link
There is a high probability that using telehealth to treat children with chronic conditions can improve patient outcomes and reduce health system costs, University of Texas researchers found.
OIG Report Assesses Medicaid Telehealth Programs for Behavioral Health
mHealthIntelligence September 22, 2021 Link
A new data brief from the Office of the Inspector General takes states to task for not analyzing how telehealth affects the quality of behavioral health services - or monitoring for fraud, waste and abuse.
Arizona Hospitals Use mHealth to Connect With Patients in the ED
mHealthIntelligence September 22, 2021 Link
Dignity Health's Arizona hospitals are using an mHealth platform that allows them to communicate with ED patients and their families, offering updates and other resources and reducing ED wait times and traffic.
Indian doctors group taps Eka Care for online healthcare platform
HealthcareITNews September 21, 2021 Link
They will collaborate to build and implement a technology solution that solves doctors' daily operational problems.
What will the next year look like for telehealth? 'Well above pre-pandemic levels'
HealthcareITNews September 21, 2021 Link
We spoke with a telemedicine expert to get a feel for where virtual care technology goes from here, and how near-term changes in healthcare might impact the ways it's deployed.
Lawmakers Asked to Boost Telehealth Resource Center Budget to $27M
mHealthIntelligence September 21, 2021 Link
Telehealth advocates are urging lawmakers to set an annual budget of $27 million for the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, noting the 14-center network has seen traffic increase by 800 percent during the pandemic.
Boosted by virtual reality and AI, telesurgery is on the rise
HealthcareITNews September 21, 2021 Link
"The goal is surgeons who have the world's best expert surgeon virtually at their side in every case and the experience of thousands of cases," says University of Washington's Dr. Sam Browd.
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Recommended Telehealth Research/Resources
Check out the complete Telehealth Library Database on the NETRC site here.
NETRC Regional Telehealth Legislation and Regulation Tracker- Center for Connected Health Policy, 2021 Link
University of New Hampshire TelePractice Center (TPC) TelePractice Training Videos- UNH TPC 2021 Link
Changes in Short-term, Long-term, and Preventive Care Delivery in US Office-Based and Telemedicine Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic Cortez C., Mansour, O., Qato, D.M., 2021 Link
GAO Reports on Telehealth COVID-19 Flexibilities Center for Connected Health Policy, 2021 Link
FQHC Telehealth Playbook- MA FQHC Telehealth Consortium; 2021 Link
Rapid Transition to Telehealth and the Digital Divide: Implications for Primary Care Access and Equity in a Post-COVID Era .Ji E. Chang PhD, MS, Alden Y. Lai, Avni Gupta, Ann Nguyen, Arolyn Berry, Donna Shelley 2021 Link
Addressing Inequities in Older Adults’ Health: A Role for Emerging Technologies
Alavi Z, Haque R, Felzer-Kim IT, et al. Community Ment. Health J. 57(1):57-63, 2021 Link
Anthony Jnr B. Inform. Health Soc. Care 46(1):68-83, 2021 Link
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The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has been made possible by grant numbers G22RH30352 and 1 U1UTH42523‐01‐00 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth: HRSA / DHHS. |
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