Exploring the Effectiveness of Telehealth Simulation in a Standardized Patient Scenario.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated transitioning face-to-face standardized patient (SP) competencies for nurse practitioner (NP) students to telehealth SP (TSP) competencies. Given the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on clinical nursing education, faculty need evidence-based strategies that offer flexibility and high-quality learning experiences for students. METHOD: SP grade rubrics for NP students (n = 53) who completed either face-to-face or TSP examinations were compared to determine whether there were any differences in overall mean score, history taking, physical examination, final diagnosis, and documentation between the two groups. RESULTS: A two-tailed independent sample t test examined whether the mean scores for the variables differed between face-to-face SP and TSP competencies. CONCLUSION: Overall results indicated the SP competencies were similar between the two groups. This confirms that both options of SP competencies for family NP students are acceptable. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(3)162-166.].