Date of Paper/Work
5-2021
Type of Paper/Work
Doctor of Nursing Practice Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Kara S. Koschmann
Department/School
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Abstract
Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the sudden and widespread implementation of the telehealth platform, changing health care forever. Telehealth is not a new concept, but health systems have been slow to adopt its widespread use due to strict regulations and low reimbursement rates. At the onset of the pandemic and with state executive orders, systems canceled traditional face-to-face visits or converted them to telehealth visits. In-person preceptorships for advanced practice clinicians (APC) were put at a standstill to reduce the spread of the virus and preserve personal protective equipment. The rapid implementation of the telehealth platform provided one opportunity for resuming clinical training for providers. However, adequate telehealth training was needed for clinical preceptors to provide telehealth education. Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to pilot an evidence-based telehealth training module (TTM) for clinical preceptors to increase preceptors' knowledge, confidence, and competency in telehealth utilization. Background: Telehealth uses electronic information and telecommunication to deliver health care, health information, and remote health education. Clinical preceptors should feel confident using telehealth to provide clinical training to students. Methods: This quality improvement project process followed the Plan, Do, Study, and Act cycle. A literature review and training needs assessment from nurse practitioner (NP) preceptors was used to create the TTM content and learning objectives. The project outcomes were evaluated using quantitative survey data. Results: The results revealed that TTM increased clinical preceptors' confidence and knowledge in telehealth. Additionally, clinical preceptors' confidence in precepting students with telehealth increased. Conclusion: The TTM is a promising educational tool that can educate preceptors about telehealth, increases its usability, and increase preceptors' confidence. A clinical preceptor well versed in telehealth will exude confidence and competency and, in turn, can provide an excellent clinical experience for students. The TTM is broad and can be easily modified to meet the needs of new hire providers and as an onboard training for students.
Recommended Citation
Polaski, Choua Yang. (2021). Implementation of a Pilot Telehealth Training Module (TTM) for Clinical Preceptors: Facilitating Student Return to Clinic During COVID-19. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/dnp_projects/126