Teledermatology: Simulating Hybrid Workflows for Telemedicine Education

Given the importance of telemedicine in improving healthcare access for underserved patients, professional students need experience using virtual clinical workflows. We developed an educational workshop with (1) readings, (2) a knowledge assessment test, (3) dermatology and teledermatology lectures, (5) a telemedicine simulation with a standardized patient, and (6) a debriefing session. The simulation included a "hybrid" workflow with live videoconferencing and store-and-forward image review. We measured student performance using three American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Telemedicine Competencies for medical education. Ninety-eight medical and physician assistant students completed this workshop between 2021 and 2022, and 80% were entrustable or approaching entrustment in each competency. Some students struggled with data collection and technology use. Our results suggest that this workshop offers a practical and generalizable way to teach about multiple virtual workflows and strengthen students' telemedicine competencies.