Exploring the Effectiveness of Telehealth Simulation in a Standardized Patient Scenario

This study evaluated transitioning face-to-face standardized patient (SP) competencies for nurse practitioner (NP) students to telehealth SP (TSP) competencies. Given the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on clinical nursing education, faculty need evidence-based strategies that offer flexibility and high-quality learning experiences for students.

SP grade rubrics for NP students (n = 53) who completed either face-to-face or TSP examinations were compared to determine whether there were any differences in overall mean score, history taking, physical examination, final diagnosis, and documentation between the two groups.

A two-tailed independent sample t test examined whether the mean scores for the variables differed between face-to-face SP and TSP competencies.

Overall results indicated the SP competencies were similar between the two groups. This confirms that both options of SP competencies for family NP students are acceptable. [.