National survey on telemedicine education and training among medical students and residents in France

Abstract

Abstract Telemedicine was defined in France in 2009 and until 2017 integrated into the official medical school and residency programs. A national survey among medical school deans indicated a lack of implementation of telemedicine education and training despite positive attitudes towards it. In September 2018, teleconsultation started to be reimbursed for all doctors and patients by the National Health Insurance. The objective was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students and residents in France on telemedicine. A national voluntary online questionnaire-based survey was conducted from December 15th, 2018 to March 3rd, 2019. The survey was shared by the French Society of Telemedicine (SFTelemed), the National Association of French Medical Students (ANEMF), and the National Union of Medical Residents (ISNI). There were 3329 answers, with 67.5% of participants being women and 69.8% being medical students and 30.2% residents. In total, 82.8% declared telemedicine was relevant to improve access to care. 84.8% did not know telemedicine regulations at all. 86.9% declared they knew the definition of teleconsultation and only 40.3% for tele-expertise. 14.4% received telemedicine theoretical education, and 97.9% stated they were not trained enough. 7% practised telemedicine during their medical school education and 30% during residency. Among them 60.2% practiced telemedicine less than 5 occasions. Among those who did not practise telemedicine during their education, 82.6% answered that they would want to practice telemedicine before the end of their studies. Medical students and residents in France have a positive attitude towards telemedicine, however, were limited to its practice. Majority of participants declared they want to be educated and trained for telemedicine during their studies. This is the first national scale study in the world and should be applied in France for other healthcare professionals and other countries. Key messages Telemedicine education and training should be provided to medical students and resident during their curriculum. Medical schools and residency programs need to integrate and apply telemedicine in their programs.