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

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.