A Mixed Methods Evaluation Finds Virtual Training Among Health Professions Education Trainees and Supervisors as...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Telehealth Technology Adoption
• Clinical Skill Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption in healthcare, impacting treatment delivery and education.
• Virtual training, where supervisors and trainees interact remotely, is generally well-received.
• Limited research exists on virtual training's effectiveness for clinical skill acquisition and professional relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual training in supporting clinical skill development and supervisor/trainee relationships.
• To assess trainee and supervisor perceptions of virtual training within a national telehealth program.
• To inform the integration of virtual training in health professional education.

Main Methods:

• Surveys were administered to trainees and supervisors in the Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH) program.
• Data collected included demographics, training experiences, and perceptions of virtual training.
• Information gathered focused on perceived training quality, supervision, and relationships.

Main Results:

• Both trainees and supervisors found virtual interactions equivalent or superior to in-person for clinical competency development.
• Effective supervisory working relationships were established in the virtual environment.
• Discrepancies were noted in preferences for virtual versus in-person training modalities.

Conclusions:

• Virtual supervisor/trainee interactions effectively support clinical skill development and professional relationships.
• Virtual training is an acceptable and viable alternative to in-person training for many health professions education scenarios.
• Telehealth modalities offer significant potential for enhancing health professional training programs.