Clayton Walker1,2, Harriet Echternacht1,3, Patrick D Brophy1,4. 1. 1The Signal Center for Innovation, University of Iowa Health Ventures (affiliate of University of Iowa Health Care), Iowa City, Iowa. 2. 2University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa. 3. 3Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa. 4. 4Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
Abstract
Background: Several medical specialty organizations and the American Telemedicine Association have developed specialty-specific guidelines and tips for optimal telemedicine use. Formal introductory education for medical students appears to lag behind these other developments. Introduction: Leaders at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recognized that students would benefit from an introductory educational program pertinent across all specialties to prepare them for future telemedicine use. The program objective was to introduce a short educational intervention highlighting basic principles to improve knowledge and help students gain confidence with telemedicine technology. Materials and Methods: The program consists of three modules, a video, and a simulation session. The first module presents telemedicine history, current uses, terminology, Medicare-Medicaid rules, and legal issues. The second addresses efficacy, ethical concerns, and best practices. The third reviews steps for success, including environment (sound, lighting, color, and camera placement), communication tips, documentation, and follow-up. The video demonstrates an ideal telemedicine visit. A short quiz follows each module. A 1-h simulation session utilizes case scenarios, telemedicine software, and peripheral equipment. A retrospective pretest and posttest were used to gauge success. Results: One hundred fifty-three second year medical students completed the program during 2017. Ninety-three (60%) completed the questionnaire. Posttest results showed higher (positive) mean scores for all questions addressed in the program regarding basic telemedicine knowledge and confidence issues. Conclusion: This program model was effective in improving basic knowledge and confidence in telemedicine among second-year medical students. We speculate that they are more informed and prepared for future telemedicine rotations and practices.
Background: Several medical specialty organizations and the American Telemedicine Association have developed specialty-specific guidelines and tips for optimal telemedicine use. Formal introductory education for medical students appears to lag behind these other developments. Introduction: Leaders at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recognized that students would benefit from an introductory educational program pertinent across all specialties to prepare them for future telemedicine use. The program objective was to introduce a short educational intervention highlighting basic principles to improve knowledge and help students gain confidence with telemedicine technology. Materials and Methods: The program consists of three modules, a video, and a simulation session. The first module presents telemedicine history, current uses, terminology, Medicare-Medicaid rules, and legal issues. The second addresses efficacy, ethical concerns, and best practices. The third reviews steps for success, including environment (sound, lighting, color, and camera placement), communication tips, documentation, and follow-up. The video demonstrates an ideal telemedicine visit. A short quiz follows each module. A 1-h simulation session utilizes case scenarios, telemedicine software, and peripheral equipment. A retrospective pretest and posttest were used to gauge success. Results: One hundred fifty-three second year medical students completed the program during 2017. Ninety-three (60%) completed the questionnaire. Posttest results showed higher (positive) mean scores for all questions addressed in the program regarding basic telemedicine knowledge and confidence issues. Conclusion: This program model was effective in improving basic knowledge and confidence in telemedicine among second-year medical students. We speculate that they are more informed and prepared for future telemedicine rotations and practices.
Authors: Guy Paré; Louis Raymond; Marie-Pascale Pomey; Geneviève Grégoire; Alexandre Castonguay; Antoine Grenier Ouimet Journal: Digit Health Date: 2022-07-21