TABLE 1.

Example of telehealth curriculum core competency goals.

Patient care (PC) The resident should convey digital empathy in their interactions with patients, demonstrating an understanding of the patient's needs and effectively communicating this understanding to patients. The resident should know the limits of telehealth for each complaint and patient and be able to choose the appropriate telehealth tool for a clinical context. The resident should demonstrate appropriate utilization of telehealth systems, including referral to a higher or lateral level of care when appropriate including referral to in‐person care. The resident should be trained to respond to medical emergencies that may occur during the virtual encounter.

Medical knowledge (MK) The resident should identify patient presentations that are appropriate for a telehealth visit and effectively triage patients presenting for virtual care. Residents should perform telehealth physical examinations, order accessible and appropriate diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans that can be effectively carried out in the telehealth setting.

Technical knowledge (TK) The resident should be familiar with the medical system's frequently used telehealth platforms. The resident should have sufficient technical knowledge, so that the patient and resident can effectively conduct an examination, including troubleshooting basic technical challenges (i.e., issues with internet connectivity, sound, and lighting), leverage interpreter services, and utilize remote devices such as virtual stethoscopes.

Interpersonal communications (IC) The resident should demonstrate proficient communication over telehealth using best practice principles. The resident should be aware of verbal and nonverbal cues (eye contact, posture, hand gestures, tone, and speed of language) that may enhance or diminish the patient care experience. The resident should be able to engage with family members and care partners who may be in a three‐way call encounter. The resident should select the appropriate means and timing of communication with other members of the health care team in the event of transition of care, referral, or implementation of follow‐up plan.

Practice‐based learning and improvement (PBL) The resident should engage in self‐assessment after telehealth interactions to drive informed practice changes. The resident should demonstrate adjustments to the physical examination and workups that are in line with the best available evidence for telehealth care. The resident should have a basic understanding of the literature that informs tele‐emergency care. Residents should also follow up on a subset of patients to help guide future encounters.

Professionalism (P) The resident should ensure that the patient visit occurs in a secure and private setting. The resident should display respect for the patient for the duration of the telehealth encounter, through professional dress, minimization of wait time and distractions, and attention to cultural needs. The resident should write orders and complete medical documentation in a timely manner.

System‐based practice (SBP) The resident will demonstrate proficiency in telehealth utilization across the continuum of services under the emergency medicine umbrella and adapt to advances in the context of the healthcare system. The resident will demonstrate proficiency in the virtual evaluation of patients in the pre‐hospital (Emergency Medical Services), acute care (ED), observation, and post‐acute care follow‐up landscape. The resident will understand how telehealth fits into a larger strategy of reducing the volume of patients at points of in‐person care delivery and optimizing system resources for patient needs.