Enhancing Telehealth Services for Parkinson’s in Wyoming
GrantID: 8035
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Telehealth Services for Wyoming’s Parkinson’s Patients
Wyoming presents unique challenges in accessing specialized medical care for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, primarily due to its vast and sparsely populated rural landscape. With only 563,000 residents spread across more than 97,000 square miles, many Wyomingites reside far from neurological specialists, leading to significant disparities in healthcare access. Recent studies reveal that more than 60% of Wyoming’s counties lack a neurologist, resulting in patients often traveling hundreds of miles for essential consultations and follow-up care, creating not just physical but also financial barriers to effective treatment.
In Wyoming, the vast distances between healthcare facilities greatly impact the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. The state's low population density, combined with high travel costs and the rigorous demands of rangeland living, makes remote patient management increasingly necessary. Patients, many of whom are older or have mobility challenges, struggle to receive timely interventions and ongoing support for their condition. Additionally, socioeconomic factors further exacerbate these issues, as many patients face financial limitations that impact their ability to seek out-of-town medical care.
This funding initiative aims to establish and enhance telehealth services tailored to the specific needs of Wyoming’s Parkinson’s disease community. By developing a user-friendly digital platform, this initiative seeks to connect patients in remote, underserved areas with neurologists and support groups through virtual consultations. The proposed telehealth program will offer not only medical consultations but also educational resources and support networks, thereby simplifying the process of receiving care. This model effectively removes the considerable barriers posed by distance and enhances the frequency and consistency of care for Wyoming's Parkinson's patients.
Through this innovative approach, the telehealth initiative aims to increase care accessibility for Parkinson's patients while also addressing the challenge of provider shortages in the state. With financial support, telehealth services will bridge the geographic gap, ensuring timely access to specialists and resources for symptom management and education. Patients will benefit from ongoing consultations without the stress and resource burden of long-distance travel. Furthermore, the program will include educational workshops conducted online to enhance patients' understanding of their condition and allow them to engage more effectively in their care.
Eligible applicants for this funding must be healthcare organizations, systems, or specialized telehealth providers with proven experience in remote patient management. The application process will demand a thorough demonstration of technical implementation strategies, expected patient outcomes, and collaborative efforts with established healthcare professionals in the region. Priority will be given to proposals that illustrate a strong commitment to addressing Wyoming’s unique healthcare disparities while improving patient outcomes through scalable telehealth initiatives. By leveraging technology, this initiative has the potential to reshape the interaction between Parkinson’s patients in Wyoming and their care providers, fostering a more connected and informed patient community.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements