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Positive impact of a telemedicine education program on practicing health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A mixed methods study of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program.
Zhao, Q Jane; Rozenberg, Dmitry; Nourouzpour, Sahar; Orchanian-Cheff, Ani; Flannery, John; Kaul, Rupert; Agbeyaka, Senyo; Barber, Mary; dePeiza, Patrice; Maria Doumouras, Anna; Draper, Haley; Gebara, Nadine; Lau, Jenny; Liberman, Dan; Luther, Ryan A; Sanh, Monica; Furlan, Andrea D.
  • Zhao QJ; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Rozenberg D; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Nourouzpour S; Mount Sinai Hospital, 12367Toronto, Canada.
  • Orchanian-Cheff A; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canda.
  • Flannery J; Mount Sinai Hospital, 12367Toronto, Canada.
  • Kaul R; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Agbeyaka S; Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Barber M; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • dePeiza P; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canda.
  • Maria Doumouras A; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Draper H; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canda.
  • Gebara N; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Lau J; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Liberman D; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Luther RA; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Sanh M; ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
  • Furlan AD; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
J Telemed Telecare ; : 1357633X211059688, 2021 Dec 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1582817
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

In addition to shifting and expanding clinical responsibilities, rapidly evolving information and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for health care workers (HCW) to synthesise and translate COVID-19 information into practice. This study evaluated whether a COVID-19-specific telemedicine education program (ECHO COVID) would impact health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction in the management of patients with COVID-19.

METHODS:

A prospective mixed methods parallel-design study was conducted among ECHO COVID participants using pre-post questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Questionnaire results were examined for changes in health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction. Focus group discussion data were analysed to explore health care workers' experience in ECHO COVID and the context of their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS:

239 health care workers registered in ECHO COVID and 114 (47.7%) completed questionnaires and attended at least one ECHO COVID session. 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 practice environment. Participants were highly satisfied with ECHO COVID sessions with a median score of 4 (IQR 4-5). Focus group discussion data indicated that health care workers gained knowledge through ECHO COVID and revealed facilitators for ECHO COVID program success, including the transition to virtual care, the practicability of knowledge provided, and a 'perspective from the trenches.'

DISCUSSION:

This study demonstrated that a telemedicine education program aimed to support health care workers in managing patients with COVID-19 had a positive impact on health care workers' self-efficacy and satisfaction. This impact was specifically mediated by the ECHO COVID program.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211059688

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211059688