Teledermatology: Simulating Hybrid Workflows for Telemedicine Education

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2024 Jan 25:310:1176-1180. doi: 10.3233/SHTI231150.

Abstract

Given the importance of telemedicine in improving healthcare access for underserved patients, professional students need experience using virtual clinical workflows. We developed an educational workshop with (1) readings, (2) a knowledge assessment test, (3) dermatology and teledermatology lectures, (5) a telemedicine simulation with a standardized patient, and (6) a debriefing session. The simulation included a "hybrid" workflow with live videoconferencing and store-and-forward image review. We measured student performance using three American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Telemedicine Competencies for medical education. Ninety-eight medical and physician assistant students completed this workshop between 2021 and 2022, and 80% were entrustable or approaching entrustment in each competency. Some students struggled with data collection and technology use. Our results suggest that this workshop offers a practical and generalizable way to teach about multiple virtual workflows and strengthen students' telemedicine competencies.

Keywords: Telemedicine; dermatology; education; simulation; store and forward.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Students*
  • Telemedicine*
  • Workflow