Evaluating a simulation-based telecare training program for home healthcare professionals: A trainee perspective

Abstract

Background: The provision and use of telecare services implies new ways of working for home healthcare staff. To gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for sound telecare practice, staff are in need of thorough training opportunities. Simulation has been suggested as a useful approach to prepare healthcare professionals for providing telecare services. The aim of this study was to test and evaluate a simulation-based telecare training program for qualified healthcare professionals and explore whether it met intended training objectives from the perspective of the trainees. Methods: A total of 14 healthcare professionals working in home healthcare services participated in up to two training sessions, each across two separate days. Data were collected by way of four tape-recorded focus group interviews and field notes from non-participant observations of eight simulation sessions, and were analysed by way of systematic text condensation. Results: The analysis resulted in seven categories addressing trainees' experiences of partaking in simulated virtual visits; their perceptions of simulation-based telecare training; and their views on the main learning outcomes from the simulation-based training program in question. Conclusions: Simulation-based training provides trainees with realistic insight into the knowledge and skills required for new ways of working through telecare and can thus be a useful way of preparing healthcare professionals for the delivery of telecare services such as virtual home healthcare visits.