Lemonade from Lemons-Using COVID Downtime to Teach Essential Telemedicine Skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health
• Orthopaedic Surgery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased telemedicine adoption across healthcare.
• Traditional medical training did not adequately prepare clinicians for widespread virtual care.
• Orthopaedic surgery requires specific skills for effective remote patient assessment and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a telemedicine educational program for orthopaedic residents.
• To equip residents with the necessary skills to effectively utilize telemedicine platforms.
• To prepare residents for unforeseen challenges in virtual patient care.

Main Methods:

• Creation of a telemedicine educational curriculum for residents.
• Utilization of standardized patient scenarios for practical training.
• Focus on navigating potential issues unique to virtual consultations.

Main Results:

• Residents were trained in telemedicine best practices.
• The program addressed practical aspects of virtual patient interaction.
• The curriculum aimed to build confidence and competence in remote care delivery.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine training is crucial for modern medical education.
• Preparedness for virtual care enhances resident adaptability.
• This program provides a foundation for lifelong competence in telemedicine within orthopaedics.