IDHI is focused on providing Arkansans with equal access to care wherever they live.
IDHI is focused on providing Arkansans with access to quality care wherever they live
The Institute for Digital Health & Innovation offers an innovative approach to digital health through clinical, research and educational programs that benefit the people of Arkansas and beyond.
Learn more about our programs below or download our Program Guide.
If you have a need that is not currently represented, please contact us at idhi@uams.edu.
Clinical Programs
IDHI clinical programs provide digital health services that address a variety of unique health care needs. IDHI clinical programs help to provide Arkansans equal access to care wherever they live.
Correctional Facility Telemedicine
The Correctional Facility Telemedicine program delivers routine and high-risk obstetrical support for women within the Arkansas corrections system. Comprehensive care is delivered through level II ultrasound technology and telemedicine consults with an advanced practice registered nurse, genetic counselor and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UAMS.
Secure broadband connectivity is also provided for contracted behavioral health, infectious disease management and orthopedics. Learn more.
HealthNow
HealthNow offers virtual health care that is easily accessible via a computer, smartphone or tablet from the comfort of a patient’s home.
HealthNow providers also offer online patient support to facilitate COVID-19 monoclonal antibody and vaccine needs via MyChart. Learn more.
HealthNow services include:
- Virtual urgent care
- COVID-19 and monoclonal antibody virtual screening
- Hernia clinic
- HIV prophylaxis
High-Risk Pregnancy Program
The High-Risk Pregnancy Program is a consultative service for physicians throughout Arkansas, including family practitioners, obstetricians, neonatologists and pediatricians. Learn more.
Services include:
- 24/7 call center support
- High-risk obstetrical telemedicine consultations
- Arkansas Fetal Diagnosis and Management Program (AFDM)
- Case management
- Evidence-based guidelines
- Following Baby Back Home (FBBH)
- Newborn screening
- Perinatal Outcomes Workgroup Education and Research (POWER)
- Scheduling and follow-ups
- Targeted ultrasounds with genetic counseling
- Telefetal Echocardiography
- Telenursery
- Women’s Mental Health Program
Language Interpreter Services
IDHI’s Language Interpreter Services facilitate communication between patients, families and health care professionals on the UAMS campus and beyond by using telemedicine equipment, such as tablets and standalone video conferencing systems.
Language Interpreter Services meet the language barrier needs of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Hispanic patients and their health care providers. Learn more.
Services include:
- Telephone interpretation
- Video Remote Interpretation (VRI)
- Document translation
Sickle Cell Program
The Sickle Cell Clinical Program provides resources and services to Arkansas primary care physicians in support of quality care for adult sickle cell patients. Learn more.
Services include:
- Multidisciplinary specialist clinic that treats all aspects of sickle cell disease
- Disease registry to collect data and support research
- Education for health care providers and the community
- 24/7 Sickle Cell Hotline (1-855-SIC-CELL)
Stroke Program
The Stroke Program is a consultative service that connects rural emergency departments with on-call neurologists via telemedicine.
The Stroke Program delivers live, telemedicine-based neurology consultations in emergency departments by connecting potential stroke patients with specialists who offer on-the-spot stroke diagnosis and treatment. Without this program, these facilities would not have the capability of providing life-saving treatment to stroke patients in Arkansas. The Stroke Program currently partners with 56 sites across the state. Learn more.
This comprehensive program:
- Supports a statewide standard of care
- Offers a 24×7 call center
- Engages in community outreach
- Provides on-site and virtual training for emergency department nurses and physicians
TeleSANE
TeleSANE uses telemedicine to connect facility site clinicians to consultants specifically trained in caring for patients who have experienced a sexual assault.
The program provides equipment, education and guidance to providers across the state of Arkansas to support standardized care of practice. Using a telemedicine cart, a consultant meets virtually with a site nurse and the patient to provide the level of support needed.
The program connects community resources and helps build bridges to create a multi-disciplinary approach to sexual assault care. Patients can expect an evidence-based, trauma-informed medical forensic exam, connections to resources and after-care follow-up guidance. Learn more.
Trauma Rehabilitation Resources Program (TRRP)
The Trauma Rehabilitation Resources Program (TRRP) works to increase access to comprehensive, innovative rehabilitation care and facilitate community reintegration for Arkansans who have sustained traumatic injuries.
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, supports the development of much-needed resources for persons living with TBI. Learn more.
Help is provided through:
- Education and resource development
- The Trauma Rehabilitation Resources Program
- 24/7 nurse and physician consultation service for patient, family and provider support
Burn Consultation Telemedicine Program
The Burn Consultation Telemedicine Program connects a patient being seen in the emergency department with a burn surgeon via a high-definition broadband video connection. This statewide consultative service is available 24×7 and promotes better coordination of care through immediate access to treatment and a plan of care that may include transfer to another facility or follow-up in a burn clinic. This program reduces patient transfers and provides patients with immediate access to a burn surgeon that specializes in burn treatment. Learn more.
Trauma Image Repository (TIR)
All designated emergency departments in Arkansas can transfer radiologic images 24×7 to a Trauma Image Repository (TIR) for patients being transferred to a higher level of care. Health care professionals at the receiving facility can view the uploaded images and develop a plan of care prior to the patient’s arrival. Learn more.
Hand Trauma Telemedicine Program
The Hand Trauma Telemedicine Program connects a patient being seen in the emergency department with a hand trauma surgeon or other specialists via a high-definition broadband video connection. This statewide consultative service is available 24×7 and promotes better coordination of care through immediate access to treatment. This program reduces patient transfers and provides patients with immediate access to surgeons that specialize in hand trauma. Learn more.
UAMS Physician’s Call Center
The UAMS Physician’s Call Center provides consultation, transport and triage services for Arkansas physicians. Learn more.
For services, call 1-866-UAMS-DOC (1-866-826-7362) or 501-686-6080.
For obstetric consultations, contact the Call Center at 1-866-273-3835.
Research
IDHI drives innovation through the creation, development and implementation of cutting edge solutions that can improve health care outcomes for Arkansans and beyond.
Rural Telehealth Evaluation Center (RTEC)
The Rural Telehealth Evaluation Center (RTEC), directed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, evaluates telehealth practices to promote rural adoption and support among policymakers and providers. Learn more.
Innovation
IDHI partners with any willing player to improve healthcare using technology. We design for everyone, especially those living in rural areas. We believe that sustainability is predicated on creating value for customers at a price they can afford.
Through the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D modeling, circuit design, testing, rapid prototyping, data analytics, data mining and data engineering, IDHI Innovation has submitted more than 10 invention disclosures through BioVentures between 2019 and 2021.
Educational Programs
IDHI develops and promotes educational learning opportunities for health care professionals, patients and the community.
Education Team
The Education Team, comprised of instructional designers and program managers, develops innovative learning and training opportunities to meet the continuing education needs of busy health care professionals and the specific needs of patients and the community in all 75 Arkansas counties and beyond. Learn more.
Learning opportunities are available through:
- Face-to-face events
- Learning management systems
- Online modules
- Teleconferences
Services include:
- Customized collateral (infographics, flyers, and more)
- Curriculum development
- Digital marketing
- Module creation
- Photography
- Podcast development
- Program development
- Program management
- Scriptwriting support
- Social media and marketing
- Videography
- Virtual events
Teleconferences
The Education Team offers live and enduring video teleconferences with continuing education credits. Regularly scheduled teleconferences include:
- Connecting Across Professions (CAP)
- High-Risk Obstetrical Teleconference
- OB/GYN Grand Rounds
- ONE Team
- Peds Place
LearnOnDemand.org
LearnOnDemand.org is a one-stop resource for online, self-paced continuing education. Health care professionals can access clinically relevant medical resources in formats that adapt to schedules and learning styles. LearnOnDemand.org can be accessed 24/7 from any device with internet connectivity, including computers smartphones and tablets.
Learn more.
PatientsLearn.org
PatientsLearn.org is a website that provides patients with information, education and resources on a variety of health and wellness topics. Patients can access online modules and videos 24/7 from any device with internet connectivity, including computers, smartphones and tablets. Learn more.
Understanding and Preventing Substance and Opioid Abuse in Rurality – Delta UPSOAR
Delta UPSOAR is an innovative and local response specifically designed to serve youth and adults who have not received opioid and substance abuse awareness education and resources in the Arkansas counties of Baxter, Fulton, Izard, Sharp and Stone. This program, a partnership with Winrock International, UAMS and Ozarka College, provides access to preventative education and recovery resources. Learn more.
Health Education for Local Providers – HELP
Health Education for Local Providers (HELP) supports the development of integrated health care networks that address unmet local health care needs and prevalent health disparities in rural Delta communities. The program, which is a collaboration between the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP) and IDHI, provides access to health care services, health care provider education opportunities, and health information technology.
Public Schools Programs
FUNFIT
The Public Schools Program uses telehealth technology to deliver physical fitness, nutrition and wellness resources to all school-age children in Arkansas. The program, which is a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and IDHI, provides students with access to physical activities, nutritional challenges, mindfulness resources and much more via the website and social media.
STARLITE
The School Telemedicine in Arkansas for Lessons in Trauma-Informed Education (STARLITE) aims to improve school security at three pilot sites in the school districts of Jasper, Lamar and Magazine. The program provides students, teachers, parents and administrators with the tools needed to help recognize and respond quickly to prevent acts of violence. School personnel and students will be educated on how to prevent violence against themselves and others, including anti-bullying training. Learn more.
South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC)
The South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) is a federally funded program that promotes and supports telehealth integration in healthcare settings, classrooms and communities to serve the south’s medically underserved rural populations.
The resource center website, LearnTelehealth.org, targets health care and health education groups that have an interest in using telehealth.
The SCTRC provides technical help, expert resources and a variety of educational opportunities, including conferences, monthly webinars, videos, online course modules and blog posts. The resource center, which is part of a national consortium of telehealth resource centers, serves Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Learn more.
Telemedicine Network/Infrastructure Support
IDHI is committed to the expansion of broadband access across Arkansas to support the delivery of health care services to even the most rural communities.
UAMS e-Link Network
The UAMS e-Link Network is a statewide telemedicine network that partners with over 400 health care, higher education, public safety and research facilities in unserved, underserved and economically distressed areas in Arkansas. IDHI provides network management, technical support and training to sustain and expand the network, while also acting as a consortium leader to attain discounted broadband services through the FCC Healthcare Connect Fund. The e-Link Network facilitates the implementation of virtual clinics. Learn more.