Telehealth Equity and Access Communication Skills Pilot Simulation for Practicing Clinicians
2025

Telehealth Training Simulation for Clinicians

Sample size: 30 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nash Christopher J., Farrell Susan E., Carreras Tartak Jossie A., Wagner Alexei, Brandt Lea C., Hayden Emily M.

Primary Institution: Duke University Hospital

Hypothesis

This pilot study evaluated a telehealth training simulation program for practicing clinicians, specifically focused on addressing patient issues of equity and access to healthcare via improving telehealth communication.

Conclusion

The findings of this pilot study highlight the potential of simulation-based telehealth training for practicing clinicians, emphasizing clinicians’ attention to patients’ equitable access to healthcare.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants showed measurable gains in communication skills after the training.
  • 100% of participants completed all pre and post surveys.
  • Participants rated the training experience highly, with a mean score of 8.8 out of 10.

Takeaway

This study shows that practicing doctors can learn to communicate better with patients through a short training simulation, which helps ensure everyone gets fair access to healthcare.

Methodology

Participants engaged in a one-hour simulation experience with two cases, assessing performance pre- and post-intervention using a checklist measuring communication skills related to equity and access in telehealth.

Potential Biases

Voluntary participation may have led to selection bias, as those particularly interested in telehealth may have been more likely to participate.

Limitations

The study's small sample size and lack of a control group limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 6 physicians (20%) and 24 advanced practice providers (80%), with a gender distribution of 30% male and 70% female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.0226 for privacy skill improvement

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0302804

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