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A Systematic Review of Technology-Delivered Disability Training and Support for Service Providers: Implications for Rural and Remote Communities

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Abstract

Technology is a possible solution to increase the accessibility of disability training and support for service providers in rural and remote areas. We conducted a systematic review across five databases using terms related to technology, training and support, and autism and developmental disability. The search identified 1626 articles and ten satisfied all inclusion criteria. All studies reported positive outcomes and three studies found no significant differences between face-to-face and online modes of delivery. Limitations of the studies included small sample sizes, lack of control groups and infrequent use of randomisation. Therefore, whilst the use of online technology shows promise as an effective solution for rural and remote communities, there is currently weak evidence to support its use.

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Notes

  1. Diagram adapted from Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG; The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med 6(6):e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW, 1825, Australia

    Genevieve Johnsson, Michelle Lincoln & Anita Bundy

  2. Autism Spectrum Australia, Level 2, Building 1, 14 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest, Forestville, NSW, 2086, Australia

    Debra Costley

Authors
  1. Genevieve Johnsson
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  2. Michelle Lincoln
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  3. Anita Bundy
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  4. Debra Costley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Genevieve Johnsson.

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The authors received no funding for the writing and dissemination of this systematic review.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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The authors were not required to seek informed consent for this article.

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Table 2 Summary of included research studies
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Johnsson, G., Lincoln, M., Bundy, A. et al. A Systematic Review of Technology-Delivered Disability Training and Support for Service Providers: Implications for Rural and Remote Communities. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 3, 387–398 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-016-0091-z

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