Telehealth equity and access communication skills pilot simulation for practicing clinicians

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study evaluated a telehealth training simulation program for practicing clinicians, specifically focused on addressing patient issues of equity and access to healthcare via improving telehealth communication. METHODS: Participants participated in a one-hour simulation experience with two cases. Performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using a checklist measuring communication domains related to equity and access in telehealth. Participant satisfaction was secondarily measured via survey. RESULTS: Results showed measurable gains in clinicians' abilities to effectively incorporate equity and access communication skills. Participants found the session useful and recommended the training experience. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study highlight the potential of simulation-based telehealth training for practicing clinicians, emphasizing clinicians' attention to patients' equitable access to healthcare. Future studies should aim to explore the durability of learning and investigate the generalizability of this training approach to other telehealth competencies and settings.