Training needs for staff providing remote services in general practice: a mixed-methods study.

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Digital Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Remote encounters are increasingly common in general practice.
• Existing training for remote care lacks evidence-based competencies.
• Staff require training for telephone, video, and online consultations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify training needs for remote encounter staff.
• Define core competencies for remote general practice.
• Explore effective learning methods for remote care.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study in UK general practice.
• Data from case studies, workshops, interviews, and literature.
• Thematic analysis using individual and team learning theories.

Main Results:

• Staff reported low confidence and unmet training needs.
• Novice clinicians need basic tech, triage, ethics, and communication skills.
• Experienced clinicians require advanced communication, complex judgment, and coordination skills.
• Non-didactic, experiential, and whole-team training are crucial for confidence and complex skills.

Conclusions:

• High-quality remote care requires complex, collective, and embedded knowledge.
• Non-didactic training methods (e.g., joint sessions, case discussions, on-the-job training) are vital.
• Recognizing the importance of experiential and team-based learning is key for effective remote practice.