TeleKidcare®

TeleKidcare® is a telemedicine project that helps parents access healthcare for their school children. It consists of ITV systems which are placed in the school health office and in the KU Pediatric Clinic that allow the school nurse and child to see, hear, and interact with the KUMC physician. In addition, this state-of-the art telemedicine technology equipped with a digital otoscope and an electronic stethoscope allows KUMC physicians to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments including acute conditions such as ear or strep infections as well chronic conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or asthma.

The main goal of this project is to reduce the time that a child spends out of the classroom recuperating from an acute illness. This goal is based on the fact that TeleKidcare® transforms the school health room from a triage center to a site of care. TeleKidcare® also addresses the shared community goal of keeping children healthy and in school learning by providing health care service to children at school.

TeleKidcare® "brings" the doctor into the school nurse’s office. By using telemedicine technology, the student can be seen in a timely way without leaving the school building. Children can be examined on the same day without missing hours of class time while sitting in a waiting room. By utilizing strategies developed by TeleKidcare®, parents can satisfy their children’s healthcare needs without jeopardizing their income, salary, or employment status. By bringing together school nurses, physicians, and parents at the school-site, this health delivery mechanism provides for a continuum of care unobtainable through traditional school health delivery systems. The program has provided more than 4,000 consults and now includes elementary, middle, and high schools.