The Native Telehealth Outreach and Technical Assistance Program: a community-based approach to the development of multimedia-focused health care information

The development and dissemination of culturally relevant health care information has traditionally taken a "top-down" approach. Governmental funding agencies and research institutions have too often dictated the importance and focus of health-related research and information dissemination....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American Indian and Alaska native mental health research 2007, Vol.14 (2), p.49-66
Main Authors: Dick, Rhonda Wiegman, Manson, Spero M, Hansen, Amy L, Huggins, Annie, Trullinger, Lori
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American Indians
Colorado
Community Health Services - organization & administration
Community Health Workers - education
Community-Institutional Relations
Female
Health Education - methods
Health Education - organization & administration
Health Needs
Health Promotion
Health Services, Indigenous - organization & administration
Humans
Information Dissemination
Information Seeking
Information Technology
Male
Medical Services
Mentors
Multimedia
Multimedia Materials
Nursing Education
Organizational Objectives
Program Descriptions
Program Development - methods
Program Evaluation
Public Health
Rural Areas
Technical Assistance
Technological Literacy
Telemedicine - organization & administration
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Summary:The development and dissemination of culturally relevant health care information has traditionally taken a "top-down" approach. Governmental funding agencies and research institutions have too often dictated the importance and focus of health-related research and information dissemination. In addition, the digital divide has affected rural communities in such a way that their members often do not possess the knowledge or experience necessary to use technological resources. And, even when they do, their skills may be limited, adequate only for implementing applications and programs designed by others who live and work outside of these communities. This need became the driving force in the creation of the Native Telehealth Outreach and Technical Assistance Program. The goal of the program is to equip Native community members, at both the lay and professional levels, with the means to use technology to address tribal health care needs. The transfer of relevant technical knowledge and skills enables participants to develop projects which enhance the community-wide dissemination of health care information. Nine community health advocates and professionals participated in the initial cohort. Eight of the participants successfully developed multimedia-based projects including Web sites, interactive CD-ROMs, and video focusing on a variety of health concerns. At the conclusion of the 18-month program period, projects were disseminated throughout rural communities. The NTOTAP staff continues to evaluate the use of these projects and their benefits within the rural communities.
ISSN:0893-5394
1533-7731
1533-7731
DOI:10.5820/aian.1402.2007.49