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Feasibility study of student telehealth interviews

Irvine, Alison W.; Lefroy, Janet E.

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Authors

Alison W. Irvine



Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to medical students being taught remote clinical communication modalities (telephone and video). Junior students have not generally been included in this and have had less patient contact than previously. This study aimed to examine the feasibility from the junior student viewpoint of conducting both modalities of patient telehealth interviews.

Methods
An electronic questionnaire was used to discover Year 1 student reasons for their preferred modality after they had conducted one telephone and one video interview in pairs with a patient volunteer. Student views on the challenge and benefits of each were also sought.

Findings
A total of 55 (32.7% of the cohort) responded, of whom 82% preferred video consultation, 75.6% of those stating being able to see their patient/partner was a key factor. About 5% preferred telephone interview, and 13% had no preference. Telephone interviews were perceived as the more challenging (40% versus 12.7%); however, challenge did not directly link with lack of comfort. There were some technical/connectivity issues with both modalities, and the telephone call system was more complex to set up. Turn-taking was more difficult by telephone without visual cues.

Discussion
This is the first direct comparison study in junior medical students of real patient interviews by video or telephone. Students embraced the challenge and, although preferring video and finding telephone more challenging, valued each as an educational experience.

Conclusions
Telehealth interviews with patients for junior students are feasible, give needed patient exposure, practical insights into remote modalities and consolidate communication skills learnt in the classroom.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 22, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 9, 2022
Publication Date Apr 9, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal The Clinical Teacher
Print ISSN 1743-4971
Publisher Wiley
Volume 19
Issue 4
Pages 308-315
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.13490
Keywords Review and Exam Preparation, General Medicine
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tct.13490

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