Evaluation of two-way telecommunication systems for interaction between professionals for delivery of social services to rural populations; final report

FINDS THAT IN EVERY INSTANCE REVIEWED, RURAL AND URBAN, TELECOMMUNICATIONS-MEDIATED SERVICES (RADIO-TYPE) WERE EQUALLY OR CONSIDERABLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN CONVENTIONAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS. THE STUDY ALSO PROVIDES A WAY TO IDENTIFY THE COST EFFECTIVE FACTORS THAT POINT TO THE USE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS. IT ASSISTS PLANNERS IN SELECTING THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND LEAST COSTLY ALTERNATIVE APPLICABLE TO THE PLANNER"S OWN SITUATION. THE COST ANALYSIS OF TEN SELECTED PROJECTS IS INCLUDED. ONE SECTION OF THE REPORT COMBINES PARTS OF SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCES INTO OPTIMUM MODELS OF SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR EDUCATION AND HEALTH. THESE CAN BE USED IN SEVERAL SITUATIONS. THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS INVOLVE PROFESSIONAL-PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL-PARAPROFESSIONAL INTERACTIONS. THE STUDY PROVIDES A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND A SUMMARY OF SELECT DOCUMENTS DESCRIBING THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS.