RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The positive impact of a telemedicine education program on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 3260
DO 10.1370/afm.20.s1.3260
VO 20
IS Supplement 1
A1 Zhao, Jane
A1 Rozenberg, Dmitry
A1 Kaul, Rupert
A1 Sanh, Monica
A1 Luther, Ryan
A1 Orchanian-Cheff, Ani
A1 Nourouzpour, Sahar
A1 de Peiza, Patrice
A1 Agbeyaka, Senyo
A1 Gebara, Nadine
A1 Doumouras, Anna Maria
A1 draper, haley
A1 Barber, Mary
A1 Lau, Jenny
A1 Furlan, Andrea
YR 2022
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/20/Supplement_1/3260.abstract
AB Context The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care service and delivery has been profound. In addition to shifting and expanding clinical responsibilities, rapidly evolving information and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for healthcare workers (HCWs) to synthesize and translate COVID-19 information into practice.Objective The objectives of this study are 1) to examine the impact of a telemedicine education program on HCW’s self-efficacy and satisfaction and 2) to explore HCWs’ experience in the program and context of practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.Study Design We conducted a prospective mixed methods parallel-design study among ECHO COVID participants using pre-post questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). We examined questionnaire results for changes in HCWs’ self-efficacy and satisfaction. We analyzed FGD data to explore HCWs’ experience in ECHO and the context of their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.Setting Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model is a virtual, telemedicine education model that provides longitudinal support and addresses the emerging needs of HCWs. “ECHO Ontario: Managing COVID-19 Patients in the Community” (ECHO) was launched in July 2020. The goal of the program was to disseminate best practices regarding COVID-19 as they emerged and to increase HCW confidence and knowledge of COVID-19.Population Studied The study population were practicing HCWs in the province of Ontario, Canada.1) HCW self-efficacy2) HCW satisfactionResults Of 299 HCWs registered in ECHO COVID, 114 (38.1%) participated in this analysis. Median self-efficacy scores increased from 5 (IQR 4 - 6) to 6 (IQR 6 - 6) (p < 0.0001), independent of profession, years in practice, age group, or type of practice environment. Participants were highly satisfied with the ECHO sessions with a median score of 4 (IQR 4 - 5). FGD data indicated that HCWs gained knowledge through ECHO, established the context of their practice, and revealed facilitators for ECHO program success, including the transition to virtual care, the practicability of knowledge provided, and a “perspective from the trenches.”Conclusions This study demonstrated that a telemedicine education program aimed to support HCWs in managing patients with COVID-19 had a positive impact on self-efficacy and satisfaction, and that this impact was specifically mediated through the ECHO program.