Using Simulation to Teach Telehealth Nursing Competencies

The use of telehealth to provide care to millions of patients who have difficulty accessing care through traditional means is growing exponentially. Nurse educators must prepare students to meet the challenge of managing this mode of care delivery.

A simulated telehealth experience was designed using the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Standards of Best Practice: Simulation^™, student learning objectives, and telehealth competencies. The design promoted active participation in a telehealth visit with a standardized patient.

The simulation provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate use of telehealth equipment and become familiar with telehealth competencies. This hands-on experience increased student engagement related to telehealth as a health care delivery option and was an effective objective structured clinical examination.

Integration of telehealth into the nursing curriculum is a necessity as health care technology advances. Simulation is one strategy available to expose students to telehealth and increase student engagement. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(10):624-627.].