University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical College of Wisconsin

A Virtual Communication Workshop to Increase Confidence Using Telehealth Modalities

Jim Deming, MD; Patty Horecki, RN; Rebecca Brustad, MA; Lisa Quinn-Lee, PhD, MSSW, LICSW; Meg Lagunas, PhD, MEd, RN, CCRN, CHSE; Zach Merten, MD; Terri Nordin, MD

WMJ. 2024;123(2):124-126

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 ended in-person communication training workshops at our institution, so we sought to provide a way for family medicine residents to hone their telephone and audio-visual skills online.

Methods: We developed a 2-hour online workshop where residents practiced delivering serious news to family members via telephone or videoconferencing call and measured participant confidence via pre-, post-, and 6-month surveys.

Results: Participant confidence in delivering serious news via telephone and videoconferencing increased. Sustained confidence at 6-month follow-up was not confirmed.

Discussion/Conclusions: Offering an online opportunity to practice delivering serious news by telephone or videoconferencing call appears to be a successful way to bolster confidence. Participants found using realistic scenarios and discussion of best practices most helpful.


Author Affiliations: Mayo Clinic Health System-Northwest Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Deming, Horecki, Nordin); Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (Brustad); University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wis (Quinn-Lee, Lagunas); HealthPartners Park Nicollet Clinic and Specialty Center, St. Louis Park, Minn (Merten).
Corresponding Author: Lisa Quinn-Lee, PhD, MSSW, LICSW, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave, PO Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004; phone 715.836.5405; email quinnllm@uwec.edu; ORCID ID 0000-0002-6867-9270
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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