Implementing a training program for resident-led virtual clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare, physicians in the USA, Canada, and globally have begun to utilize virtual care more widely to provide safe, timely, and accessible ambulatory care. While the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its use more widely, it is very likely that this mode of healthcare delivery will continue after the pandemic as it is an effective consultation tool and allows physicians to better serve their patient care populations, particularly those in rural and remote communities. But physicians are not alone in providing virtual care. In medical teaching institutions, residents provide much of the frontline, ambulatory care and, being a newer mode of service, residents require education and training on this method of healthcare delivery; however, no standardized guidelines for training, supervision, or assessment exist. While there is overlap in the process used to conduct in-person and virtual consults, residents require training in specific areas that are unique to the online setting, particularly in conducting the physical exam. This paper outlines a structured process for developing and implementing a training program for resident-led virtual clinics, including the supervision, performance, and assessment expectations of residents. The recommendations provided are intentionally generic to facilitate use by other programs and institutions.

Thinking Outside the Box: Advancing Clinical Education in an Era of Preceptor Shortage

“…For example, virtual reality, online interactive patient clinical scenarios, computer-simulated experiences, and 3D printing have the potential to revolutionize clinical teaching. 31,32 The 3D innovation is particularly suitable for surgical/anatomical teaching. A common misconception is that virtual patient experiences can only be used for supplementing real clinical patient encounters.…”