TeleOutreach

MIDB Service Hubs teleoutreach

TeleOutreach Hub: Advancing our approach to brain health by leveraging technology to enhance development of, awareness of, access to, collaboration with, and diverse participation in MIDB activities.

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Our Expertise

We support researchers in the use of telecom technology to increase broad participation in research and clinical research efforts. We also develop and adapt methodology to conduct research and clinical research in naturalistic settings (e.g., homes). Additionally, we support multi-site networks and data collection, and we reach populations with low incidence needs (e.g., rare disease).

In addition to serving as a research service core, we lead interdisciplinary working groups focused on the following focus areas: 1) delivering clinical services to more families, 2) leveraging technology to provide training and education, 3) connecting quickly with families and providers facing urgent situations, 4) building scalable connections with community.

Our Directors

Jessica Simacek and Adele Dimian

Jessica Simacek, PhD, Director TeleOutreach Center, Research Manager 2, Institute on Community Integration
Adele Dimian, PhD, Associate Director, TeleOutreach Center, Research Associate, Institute on Community Integration

Join Us:

Project ECHO®: Telehealth to Support Families of Children with Behavioral Health and Mental Health Needs

Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. CST Dec. 14–Feb. 2

1. Supporting Children and Youth with Behavioral Challenges
2. Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
3. Tic Disorders in Children and Adolescents
4. Sexual Health Education and Youth
5. SIB and Aggression
6. OCD and PANDAS

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Telehealth Office Hours FAQ

Q: Do you meet onsite or virtually?
A:
We can meet either way. After you book an appointment, you will receive a calendar invitation that includes an active Zoom link. We are also happy to meet in person at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain: just add a note to your calendar invitation indicating that you would like to meet onsite. 

Q: I am an investigator who is interested in training on the use of telehealth for a specific study. Is this the right place to connect?
A: Thank you for your interest in connecting with the MIDB TeleOutreach Service Hub! If you have a specific project or research need in mind (e.g. training; direct research collaboration; study implementation) we recommend that you fill out a Request for Service form with the MIDB Research team to request pre-award/project preparation work or post-award/project execution work from the TeleOutreach Service Hub. If you have already started a Request for Service and have questions about the form, we can definitely help with that during office hours: just list “Request for Service” in your areas of interest.

Q: I am an investigator who is interested in the interdisciplinary possibilities of telehealth. Should I come to office hours?
A: Yes. There are existing working groups and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through the TeleOutreach Service Hub, and we are always excited to explore and expand those opportunities. We’d love to hear from you!

Q: I don’t have a project in mind but I’m interested in leveraging telehealth in a future study. Is this the right place to connect?
A: Absolutely. During our open office hours, we can chat about trainings in telehealth, areas of collaboration, and other opportunities for education or community engagement. We can also provide a guided tour of our lab spaces or connect you with more information about tele-related funding opportunities.

Q: I am a provider, educator, or caregiver who is getting familiar with telehealth. What resources are available to me?
A: The TeleOutreach Service Hub and the TeleOutreach Center at MIDB have many resources for providers, educators, and caregivers of young children. You can explore our online learning modules, read about our open studies, sign up for updates from our team, or connect with us during office hours to learn about other training and community engagement opportunities and resources.

Q: I am interested in learning more about telehealth equipment. Can this be helpful?
A: Yes! During office hours, we are happy to walk you through our equipment and labs. We can also provide consultation on the use of TeleOutreach technology in your research, or arrange a time for you to trial or loan our equipment.

Our Team

Adele Dimian

Adele Dimian, PhD
Associate Director

Julie Zhou

Julie Zhou
Project Manager

Examples of Our Engagement

video conference with patient and caregiver

Autism FIRST

Researchers within the TeleOutreach Hub at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain are looking for research participants for a study about the efficacy of early intervention services provided over telehealth (video conferencing) for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Parents will receive coaching to provide interventions to support their child's communication and other skills. Please contact [email protected] for more information about the study, and learn more about the TeleOutreach Center.

person kissing infant

Baby Sprout

The BabySprout study is interested in early development and how to provide infant coaching and interventions in ways that are helpful and easy for families who may have concerns about their infant's development. The BabySprout program includes remote caregiver coaching during daily routines via video-conferencing for 12 weeks, up to 3 times a week, for 10-35 minutes; four remote study “visits” to observe infant’s play and communication at study entry (6-9 months), 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months; and four *OPTIONAL* in person study visits at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus. Please contact [email protected] for more information about the study, and learn more about the TeleOutreach Center.

youth sitting in shadows

Working Group: Interdisciplinary intervention pathways for self-injurious behavior in children and youth

The mission of this workgroup is to understand and treat self-injury/ self-harm in children and adolescents. Members representing Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Pediatrics, and Computer Science and Engineering, the Autism and Neurodevelopment Clinic and the Fragile X Clinic work towards development of research protocols, clinical data inventory, grant submissions, and training and community engagement opportunities.

telehealth session

Working Group: Addressing barriers to evaluation and intervention access for children, youth, and families

The initial primary focus of this workgroup is to scale up a promising practice of early, supplemental caregiver coaching via telehealth technology for children who have recently received a neurodevelopmental disability diagnosis. This process includes a rapid referral and subsequent rapid onset of intervention via secure video conferencing to families in their homes. Learn more about the TeleOutreach Center here.

connections concept with intersecting lines and circles

Working Group: TeleOutreach and Extension

Partnering with the College of Extension, this group’s preliminary aims are to build meaningful and long-term engagement with  Minnesota communities, particularly rural Communities, and to understand the needs of  and engage these communities in relation to youth with developmental or behavioral health  needs. We have successfully launched a Community Mentorship program and accepted three educators paired with community partners, who serve as mentee dyads. With support from TeleOutreach mentors, the dyads engage in needs assessment, training, and technical assistance resources throughout Minnesota.

telehealth activity person speaking on video call

TeleOutreach Resources for Providers, Educators, and Families

The Teleoutreach Hub appreciates the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation in supporting tele-outreach services at MIDB