Simulation-Based Telemedicine Training Program for Residents in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Virtual Standardized Patient Activity

Authors

  • Jillian Dean University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Author
  • Kwasi Ampomah Resident, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine (EVMS), Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • Beverly Roberts Atwater Chair, Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • Agatha Parks Savage Professor, Family and Community Medicine, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • LD Britt Chair, Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • Mekbib Gemeda AAMC Bridging the Next Generation of Academic Physicians, Center of Diversity and Inclusion, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • Amelia Wallace Senior SP educator, EVMS Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA Author
  • Amara Chike Howard University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JPMRS/2024(6)197

Keywords:

Simulation-Based Telemedicine Training Program, Physical Medicine , Rehabilitation, COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth’s prevalence

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era of healthcare delivery, emphasizing the crucial role of telemedicine. This study aimed to address the training needs of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residents in telemedicine through an Interactive Virtual Telemedicine training program utilizing standardized patient methodology.

Methods: A tailored virtual standardized patient simulation module was developed for PM&R residents. Prior to the training, residents completed pre-training questionnaires. The training consisted of (1) a 2-hour classroom didactic session covering telemedicine strategies for conducting physical examinations and triaging, as well as anticipated challenges. (2) a 2-hour zoom telemedicine simulation training exposed residents to three distinct patient scenarios (sickle cell crisis, acute low back pain, and neurorehabilitation). (3) a three-stage debriefing tool was employed for post-training reflection.

Results: Eight PM&R residents, predominantly males, with varying prior exposure to telemedicine, participated in the study. Post-training evaluations indicated that residents overwhelmingly found the simulation-based telemedicine training valuable and worth the didactic time invested. Data analysis demonstrated a significant increase in residents’ knowledge and confidence in telemedicine skills.

Discussion: The study’s findings suggest that the telemedicine training program effectively enhanced residents’ understanding and confidence in telemedicine skills. Future research endeavors could involve a larger and more diverse group of residents to further assess training effectiveness and gather a wider array of perspectives on telemedicine. Expanding the use of standardized patients in telemedicine simulation training holds promise for advancing medical education in this evolving healthcare landscape.

Author Biographies

  • Jillian Dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

  • Kwasi Ampomah, Resident, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine (EVMS), Norfolk VA, USA

    Resident, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine (EVMS), Norfolk VA, USA

  • Beverly Roberts Atwater, Chair, Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

    Chair, Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

  • Agatha Parks Savage, Professor, Family and Community Medicine, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

    Professor, Family and Community Medicine, Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

  • LD Britt, Chair, Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk VA, USA

    Chair, Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk VA, USA

  • Mekbib Gemeda, AAMC Bridging the Next Generation of Academic Physicians, Center of Diversity and Inclusion, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

    AAMC Bridging the Next Generation of Academic Physicians, Center of Diversity and Inclusion, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

  • Amelia Wallace, Senior SP educator, EVMS Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

    Senior SP educator, EVMS Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning, EVMS, Norfolk VA, USA

  • Amara Chike, Howard University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Howard University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

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Published

2024-05-02

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 5 (2023): Volume 6 Issue 5

Section

Articles