Training Service Users in the Use of Telehealth: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Telehealth adoption has surged, but accessibility gaps persist for certain populations.
• Training service users may bridge these gaps, yet the scope of such training remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review identifying and describing training activities for service users in telehealth.

Main Methods:

• Searched five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science) in June 2023.
• Included studies describing synchronous telehealth consultation training for service users; excluded healthcare professional education.
• Followed Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with dual reviewer screening for full texts.

Main Results:

• 13 studies met inclusion criteria from 8087 unique publications.
• Training typically involved one-off preparatory phone calls with written instructions, often by student volunteers.
• Older adults were the primary target population; training was feasible, well-received, and increased video visit rates, with limited evidence on competency improvement.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth training for service users commonly focuses on technical aspects via phone calls, primarily for older adults.
• Future training should consider co-design and broader digital skill enhancement.
• Further research is needed on training outcomes in diverse geographical settings.