STUDENTS AND TELEMEDICINE: CONNECTING TECHNOLOGY TO CAMPUS HEALTHCARE

5^th International Conference on Medical Informatics & Telemedicine

August 31- 01 September, 2017 | Prague, Czech Republic

Jodee Fitzgerald

Metropolitan State University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: Students often have limited healthcare options due to a variety of reasons including being impacted by health disparities within an ecological perspective. When higher education universities have more than one primary location, using technology to connect the students (patients) to healthcare is critical. With 17% of our total student population uninsured, selecting a healthcare system that would cast a wide reach throughout the state of Minnesota (USA) was critical. Not only did this effect the quality of lives of our students (patients), it also aimed to decrease ecological problems that existed throughout our population. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: An action research approach was taken, which sought to engage the students in the process of selecting a campus wide healthcare system. Qualitative data collection included focus groups and interviews with students. Findings: The students in this study were very eager to assist with locating a new campus wide healthcare system. Although there were many challenges to finding the appropriate healthcare system, the students were enthusiastic to utilize technology to meet their healthcare needs. They clearly knew what they were seeking in terms of healthcare, and their vision was then brought to life. Conclusion & Significance: In the end, the university ended up selecting a telemedicine option which addressed the needs of all of our students throughout the state of Minnesota. Without the assistance of technology and telemedicine, our university would not have been able to identify a comprehensive healthcare system that met the needs of all of our students due to the multiple campuses within our university. Telemedicine has been the frontrunner within our campus community and will continue to grow with an increase in utilization and visibility.