Module 1

Module 1 – Let’s Get Started!

Module 1 Goal

  • Understand key components of the pre-visit checklist and appropriate interactions for executing the telehealth exam

Module 1 Specific Learning Objectives

  • Establish a therapeutic environment during video visits attending to background, lighting, sound, framing, attire, disruptions and privacy
  •  Comply with relevant legal, licensing, billing and privacy regulations for telehealth, including limits of e-prescribing for controlled and uncontrolled substances
  •  Obtain consent during a telehealth encounter, including limitations of care and privacy considerations
  •  Use the technology needed to deliver care via telehealth and troubleshoot common technology failures
  •  Recognize necessary components to close the telehealth encounter

Module 1 Key Concepts

Prior to Telehealth Encounter

  • Check computer audio / video / internet access
  • Need private space with adequate lighting with no distractions
  • Wear professional attire with name badge
  • On your computer, close all unrelated tabs / programs for screen sharing with patient
  • Review relevant items in patient chart
  • Focus mind and listening skills on patient

Starting the Telehealth Encounter

  • Warm greeting
  • Introduce yourself (name and role) and identify patient’s name and date of birth
  • Small talk to build rapport with patient
  • Inform patient that you are in secure / confidential space and inquire where they are, if anyone else is present, and confirm that patient is comfortable beginning encounter
  • Obtain consent for telehealth virtual encounter
  • Technology disconnection plan
  • Assess if patient can hear and see you
  • Acknowledge that your gaze may shift to review chart and audio may lag
  • Review and prioritize agenda for visit

Closing the Telehealth Encounter

  • Verbally summarize care plan
  • Restate clinician and patient follow up actions
  • Review all questions and answers
  • Give guidance if problem worsens
  • Instructions for follow up questions and concerns

Module 1 Resources

Telehealth Platform Information (Amwell Now,…)

Patient Centered Telemedicine Visit Video (Broughton / Lyon)

Patient Centered Telemedicine PDF (Broughton / Lyon)

Foundational Telemedicine Workshop for First-Year Medical Students Developed During a Pandemic Article (Cornes, Gelfand & Calton, 2021)

Starting a Telemedicine Encounter Video (Cornes, Gelfand & Calton, 2021)

Bad Example Telemedicine Video (To be made)

University of New Hampshire Telehealth Practice Center: Resources & Publications

Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center

Stanford School of Medicine – Intro to Telemedicine: Skills Workshop

TELEHEALTH.HHS.GOV – Legal Considerations