Journal article
Real-Time Learning Through Telemedicine Enhances Professional Training in Rural Emergency Departments
Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.27(4), pp.441-447
04/2021
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0042
PMID: 32552479
Abstract
The low volume and the intermittent nature of serious emergencies presenting to rural emergency departments (EDs) make it difficult to plan and deliver pertinent professional training. Telemedicine provides multiple avenues for training rural ED clinicians. This study examines how telemedicine contributes to professional training in rural EDs through both structured and unstructured approaches.
This qualitative study examined training experiences in 18 hospitals located in 6 Midwest states in the United States, which participated in a single hub-and-spoke telemedicine network. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with 7 physicians, 10 advanced practice providers, and 11 nurses. Standard, inductive qualitative analysis was used to identify key themes related to experiences with telemedicine-based training and its impact on rural ED practice.
For structured formal training, rural ED clinicians used asynchronous sessions more often than live sessions. It was reported that the formal training program may not have been fully utilized due to time and workload constraints. Rural clinicians strongly valued unstructured real-time training during telemedicine consultations. It was perceived consistently across professional groups that real-time training occurred frequently and its spontaneous nature was beneficial. Hub providers offering suggestions respectfully and explaining the rationale behind recommendations facilitated real-time learning. Rural providers and nurses perceived several effects of real-time training, including keeping rural practice up to date, instilling confidence, and improving performance.
Our research shows that telemedicine provided rural ED providers and nurses both formal training and real-time training opportunities. Real-time training occurred frequently, complemented formal training, and was perceived to have many advantages.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Real-Time Learning Through Telemedicine Enhances Professional Training in Rural Emergency Departments
- Creators
- Xi Zhu - Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USAKimberly A S Merchant - Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USANicholas M Mohr - Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USAAmy J Wittrock - Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USAAmanda L Bell - Avera eCARE, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USAMarcia M Ward - Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Telemedicine journal and e-health, Vol.27(4), pp.441-447
- DOI
- 10.1089/tmj.2020.0042
- PMID
- 32552479
- NLM abbreviation
- Telemed J E Health
- ISSN
- 1530-5627
- eISSN
- 1556-3669
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/2021
- Academic Unit
- Rural Telehealth Research Center; Health Management and Policy; Epidemiology; Emergency Medicine; Anesthesia; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984214833002771
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