Using Telehealth to Train Providers of a Cancer Support Intervention

Abstract

Telehealth represents a feasible avenue for training and supporting leaders of psychosocial interventions. In addition, telehealth is particularly well suited to the need for training group leaders in areas outside urban centers or academic communities.

The Provider’s Experience of Delivering an Education-based Wellness Program via Telehealth

“…Class leaders in this study identified access for caregivers who would not otherwise be able to attend a PTC class as a major benefit of telehealth. Furthermore, telehealth delivered programs with a focus on teaching self-management skills have had high levels of provider satisfaction (Brandon et al, 2015; Carlisle & Warren, 2013) and are more likely to be sustainable (Radhakrishnan, Xie, & Jacelon, 2016). The PTC program teaches caregivers “tools” for self-management of stress, health, and caregiving responsibilities.…”

“…All class leaders rated the training they received with the highest rating, indicating their training was adequate. Previous research indicates tailored training is important for provider satisfaction of services delivered by telehealth (Brandon et al, 2015). Providers in this study received training with their partner class leader and individual training as requested.…”

“…Furthermore, providers tend to have a less positive view of telehealth than clients (Mair et al, 2005) and report a variety of concerns related to the adoption of telehealth delivery methods. These concerns include technical difficulties (Collier, Morgan, Swetenham, Currow, & Tieman, 2016; Levy & Neil, 2013); technology that is either inadequate or too expensive (Wade et al, 2014); lack of resources and organization support, including lack of technical support (Odeh, Kayyali, Nabhani-Gebara, & Philip, 2014); missing nonverbal cues resulting in decreased rapport with clients (Levy & Neil, 2013); time lag impeding conversation flow (Brandon et al, 2015); internet connectivity issues resulting in decreased rapport with clients (Collier et al, 2016; Holland et al, 2014); lack of reliable internet service (Sinclair, Holloway, Riley, & Auret, 2013); concern of increased workload (Collier et al, 2016; Odeh et al, 2014); concern for client safety (Shulver, Killington, & Crotty, 2016); and concern for decreased quality of care (Levy & Neil, 2013).…”

The role of digital health technology in rural cancer care delivery: A systematic review

“…Telemedicine as a training platform was examined in the rural cancer setting in 4 studies and was a feasible and satisfactory means of delivering real‐time, interactive training to providers who might not otherwise have access to such programs. Training included continuing medical education, training on a cancer support intervention, and surgical oncology telementoring 57,62–64 . Connecting community oncologists with multidisciplinary cancer conferences (tumor boards) via teleconference was considered in 2 articles 65,66 .…”

“…Training included continuing medical education, training on a cancer support intervention, and surgical oncology telementoring. 57,[62][63][64] Connecting community oncologists with multidisciplinary cancer conferences (tumor boards) via teleconference was considered in 2 articles. 65,66 These articles demonstrated the initial feasibility of providing oncologists in rural areas and at smaller institutions access to tumor boards to improve the quality and continuity of care.…”