Perception of telemedicine and remote learning following the COVID-19 pandemic: a Health Education England survey of London obstetrics and gynaecology trainees
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose
To determine the level of uptake of telemedicine among postgraduate obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in London, and how do they perceive its impact on their training?
Method
A mixed methods survey aimed at exploring trainee perspectives of telemedicine use in clinical practice and its implications on training. Study participants were O&G specialist doctors on the London (UK) training programme. The survey was distributed to the 2022 cohort via email communication facilitated by Health Education England.
Results
The response rate was 46.3% (118/255). 96% (113/118) had experience of telemedicine, in a range of clinical environments. 91% (106/117) felt telemedicine should become embedded in O&G practice, the most frequent reported advantage was time-saving and barrier was language translation. 43% trainees (50/116) expressed that they were unable to attain effective clinical training during telemedicine appointments. 70% (81/116) indicated a preference for remote online teaching. The majority of trainees (75%) had some level of experience in the use of technology in clinical training, encompassing various modalities including surgical and ultrasound simulation, remote real-time training and virtual reality patient consultations. Trainee responses, on the whole, reflected a lack of confidence in their ultrasound skills, 79.5% (74/93) of trainees responsible for acute gynaecology admissions reported at least 25% admissions were for deferred USS investigation. Most trainees anticipated real-time remote supervision for both USS and laparoscopy would enhance training opportunities and expedite time to patient diagnosis and management. Anticipated barriers included concerns regarding the uptake of technology and connectivity issues.
Conclusion
Telemedicine has been demonstrated to be well-received by most O&G trainees for clinical care. However, it is necessary to consider effective O&G training when delivering telemedicine. Technology gives rise to a number of training opportunities, with the development of online teaching, telementoring and simulation. Trainees report both advantages and disadvantages which should carefully considered to optimise postgraduate O&G training.
To determine the level of uptake of telemedicine among postgraduate obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in London, and how do they perceive its impact on their training?
Method
A mixed methods survey aimed at exploring trainee perspectives of telemedicine use in clinical practice and its implications on training. Study participants were O&G specialist doctors on the London (UK) training programme. The survey was distributed to the 2022 cohort via email communication facilitated by Health Education England.
Results
The response rate was 46.3% (118/255). 96% (113/118) had experience of telemedicine, in a range of clinical environments. 91% (106/117) felt telemedicine should become embedded in O&G practice, the most frequent reported advantage was time-saving and barrier was language translation. 43% trainees (50/116) expressed that they were unable to attain effective clinical training during telemedicine appointments. 70% (81/116) indicated a preference for remote online teaching. The majority of trainees (75%) had some level of experience in the use of technology in clinical training, encompassing various modalities including surgical and ultrasound simulation, remote real-time training and virtual reality patient consultations. Trainee responses, on the whole, reflected a lack of confidence in their ultrasound skills, 79.5% (74/93) of trainees responsible for acute gynaecology admissions reported at least 25% admissions were for deferred USS investigation. Most trainees anticipated real-time remote supervision for both USS and laparoscopy would enhance training opportunities and expedite time to patient diagnosis and management. Anticipated barriers included concerns regarding the uptake of technology and connectivity issues.
Conclusion
Telemedicine has been demonstrated to be well-received by most O&G trainees for clinical care. However, it is necessary to consider effective O&G training when delivering telemedicine. Technology gives rise to a number of training opportunities, with the development of online teaching, telementoring and simulation. Trainees report both advantages and disadvantages which should carefully considered to optimise postgraduate O&G training.
Date Issued
2024
Date Acceptance
2024-11-26
Citation
Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 2024, 2024, pp.1232-1242
ISSN
1179-7258
Publisher
Dove Medical Press
Start Page
1232
End Page
1242
Journal / Book Title
Advances in Medical Education and Practice
Volume
2024
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.dovepress.com/perception-of-telemedicine-and-remote-learning-following-the-covid-19--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-AMEP
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2024-12-17