Appalachian Specialty Telemedicine Access for Referrals (STAR) Trial
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.
• Enrolled in school in one of the 14 participating counties
• Initial entry into elementary school
• Eligible regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity