[Quality Indicators for Video Consultations in Primary Care - a Scoping Review]

Digital learning about patients: An online survey of German medical students investigating learning strategies for family medical video consultations

Objective

Training in video consultations is seldom included in the curriculum for future physicians. Exploration of preferred teaching methods and learning objectives in this context among medical students remains limited. This study addresses this research gap by conducting a survey among medical students in Germany to assess their educational requirements concerning video consultations and patient-centred distance learning.

Methods

This quantitative study employed an online questionnaire designed for German medical students, following the guidelines of the International Association for Health Professions Education. The study primarily focused on discerning the didactic preferences related to patient-centred digital teaching regarding family medical video consultations. We provided a detailed explanation of a concrete learning concept, a family medical synchronous distance learning seminar. Subsequently, we surveyed students to gauge their needs, expectations, and evaluations of this concept. The collected data were subjected to descriptive analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed that students aspire to offer video consulting services to their patients in the future (sample size (n) = 369, median (med) = 68 of 101 Likert scale points, interquartile range (IQR) = 53.75), despite having limited knowledge in this area (n = 353, med = 21, IQR = 33.25). To acquire expertise in telehealth, students favor blended learning models (n = 331, med = 76, IQR = 50). They also recognize the benefits of distance learning, particularly for students with family responsibilities or those who must travel long distances to their learning institutions,. The presented distance seminar concept resonated with them (n = 278, med = 72.5, IQR = 50.5), surpassing five other digital learning models in preference. Furthermore, they expressed a desire for its continued implementation beyond the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (n = 188, med = 77.5, IQR = 44.75).

Conclusions

The deficiency in medical school education regarding video consultations requires attention. This issue could be resolved by integrating one of the five distance learning concepts outlined in this article.

Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology

BACKGROUND

The medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients.

METHODS

A total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021.

RESULTS

Insufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient's level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.

Evaluation of Synchronous and Asynchronous Telemedical Applications in Primary Care in Rural Regions of Northern Germany-Results and Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study

(1) Background: Telemedical applications (TAs) that are centered around General practitioners' (GP) practices could be beneficial for patients in rural areas in order to better their access to care. This could become more and more relevant as specialists favor practicing in more urban regions, leaving GPs as the first medical contact of patients in rural areas. (2) Methods: Three TAs, one synchronous, one asynchronous and one used in delegation were implemented and evaluated in ten GP practices and two specialists' practices in rural areas of northern Germany. (3) Results: Overall satisfaction with the TAs was generally high. GPs as well as specialists were especially satisfied with asynchronous TAs. A number of valuable "Lesson learned" were obtained and can be used as recommendations for further studies, e.g., taking time to identify market-ready technologies prior to implementation, developing dedicated trainings for users, and preparation of a technical support plan. Overall, the benefits of the TAs were rated high for the patients by the medical professionals. (4) Conclusion: Especially asynchronous TAs that are based on existing technology can be successfully implemented into a developing digital health care system such as the one in Germany. The impact on treatment of those TAs needs to be further investigated.