The Impact of Telehealth on Patient-Provider Communication
Healthcare technology development continues to change how professionals interact with patients when providing care. The recent COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced healthcare providers’ ability to talk to patients, especially those with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems (Xu et al., 2021). As an outcome, the growing field of telehealth has gained even more interest, and the implementation of remote communication software has become a priority for many medical organizations (Xu et al., 2021). However, this technology requires physicians and nurses to learn how to use telehealth and adapt to the new means of patient-provider dialogue.
Key Components of Effective Telehealth Training Programs
The training for telehealth includes several elements that prepare employees for using the new system. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, 2022), providers should become acquainted with the technology and equipment they use during patient visits. This education has to focus on practice, as reading or listening about devices may be less effective than using them (Hebda et al., 2019). Therefore, a simulation training program may best teach workers how to use the new devices (Hebda et al., 2019). By creating scenarios where employees train, the organization can prepare them for various situations.
Using the equipment correctly is only a part of successful treatment – professionals should also know the unique ways of gathering information and delivering advice remotely. Thus, HHS (2022) recommends teaching providers about digital communication and cultural humility. Lectures and videos about the topic help employees learn more about these skills (Hebda et al., 2019). Nurses and physicians may read about different patients, cases, and problems and discuss them with an instructor or among themselves.
Additionally, roleplaying can benefit employees, as it tests the acquired knowledge without the fear of upsetting actual patients (Hebda et al., 2019). Peer feedback is another part of the program that helps improve the outcomes (van Houwelingen et al., 2021). The program should integrate the aspects of both technical and cultural learning to prepare qualified professionals.
Adapting Training Methods for New and Existing Healthcare Staff
New hires and existing employees may require different approaches to training. On the one hand, recently hired workers should receive training in telehealth and learn about other elements of healthcare service in the medical organization. The amount of information may be overwhelming, negatively affecting their ability to retain knowledge (Harpelund, 2019). Therefore, the program for new employees should be balanced and structured, allowing them to ask questions and receive frequent feedback.
On the other hand, ongoing training for employees who are aware of telehealth services or have been using them for some time should prioritize systematization and improvement of knowledge. These programs do not need introductory training, as they likely contain information that workers already know. Instead, the teaching should be tailored to the organization and the concerns of the professionals (van Houwelingen et al., 2021). For example, a hospital may survey telehealth providers to determine their knowledge of the devices and their practices. Analyzing the results, one can create a training program that addresses employees’ weak areas, concerns, and misconceptions.
Strategies for Developing Tailored and Balanced Telehealth Education
Developing a training program depends on the topic, field, and the existing level of knowledge among employees. Teaching how to use telehealth services should combine practical skills with information about how to talk with patients remotely. Therefore, the initiative may include simulation, roleplaying, and lectures to deliver the best results. The program must be balanced for new employees so as not to overwhelm them. Ongoing training has to focus on the specific skills that professionals may lack.
References
Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Types of trainings for telehealth. Telehealth.HHS.gov. Web.
Harpelund, C. (2019). Onboarding: Getting new hires off to a flying start. Emerald Group Publishing.
Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.
van Houwelingen, T., Ettema, R. G., Bleijenberg, N., van Os-Medendorp, H., Kort, H. S., & Ten Cate, O. (2021). Educational intervention to increase nurses’ knowledge, self-efficacy and usage of telehealth: A multi-setting pretest-posttest study. Nurse Education in Practice, 51, 102924. Web.
Xu, J., Hamadi, H. Y., Hicks-Roof, K. K., Zeglin, R. J., Bailey, C. E., & Zhao, M. (2021). Healthcare professionals and telehealth usability during COVID-19. Telehealth and Medicine Today, 6(3), 1-12. Web.