Layperson Telepresenters: Increasing Capacity for Telehealth in Underserved Communities

With numerous advancements in telemedicine over the past few years, there has been a huge shift toward home-based digital care. However, the absence of telepresenters in the home to facilitate these teleconsultations can result in incomplete and insufficient patient assessments, both of which can affect overall health outcomes. We describe the feasibility of training laypersons to serve as telepresenters in a community-based telemedicine setting. Community members were recruited to become trained telepresenters. The training protocol consisted of four modules: (1) didactics, (2) vital signs, (3) physical examinations, and (4) proficiency. Trainees complete surveys regarding the training and were observed on skills competency and interactions with patients and providers. A total of 32 volunteers completed the training. Layperson telepresenters (LTPs) gained knowledge and confidence to perform their role successfully, as well as received positive ratings from patients, distant providers, and onsite program personnel on all aspects of their performance as telepresenters. Although further research is needed to determine the impact and generalizability of these results, this pilot study demonstrated the initial feasibility of training LTPs.