Enhanced Telemedicine Instruction: Simulations Including eStethoscopes for Virtual Cardiac Assessment

Increased adoption of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic improved care access to rural and underserved patients. This rapid expansion created a pressing need for educational programs focusing on the virtual physical exam. We developed a simulation-based workshop for medical and physician assistant students to teach and evaluate the cardiopulmonary virtual physical exam. It consisted of (1) readings, (2) a brief didactic, (3) a telemedicine simulation using a digital stethoscope, (4) personalised feedback from faculty, and (5) a group debrief session. The students were evaluated using a standardised rubric based on three of the 20 telemedicine competencies described by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Ninety-five students completed the workshop, and over 80% were entrustable or approaching entrustment in each competency. This workshop illustrates a practical approach to teaching and evaluating telemedicine competencies related to data collection and the physical exam.