Using the Utah Telehealth Network, rural providers may participate in a variety of educational offereings including in-services, a Center for Disease Control lecture series. Network participants may request continuing educational offerings to meet their individual needs. The network is also an excellent means to provide patient education and statewide meetings of support groups. Yes, continuing education credits can be provided if requested in advance. No, the equipment is actually quite simple to use.
Users receive training on the use of the equipment before their first conference.
A telemedicine staff person is on hand at all times during a conference for any problems or questions. First, contact the Telemedicine Outreach Program coordinator, who will then put you in contact with the appropriate telemedicine staff person who will meet with you to set up your clinic or conference. Both in Utah and across the country, patients have been very satisfied with the care they have received using telemedicine. Positive factors cited by patients include saving travel time and expense, increased access to specialty services and increased attention by their primary care provider. Providers have often been initially hesitant to use this technology for patient care.