Evaluation of home-based naturopathic telehealth clinic: an innovative COVID-19 pandemic response

Abstract

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia disrupted usual clinical training placements for naturopathic students. An innovative, remote Telehealth clinic was developed and implemented. This pilot study evaluates student and educator learning and teaching experiences in Telehealth. A survey assessed Likert and qualitative written responses to student and staff interaction with the Telehealth clinic. Results Nine student and 12 educator responses were included in the analysis. All students positively rated Telehealth training resources and the educator support provided. Students rated the Telehealth learning experience as ‘very good’ (78%) or ‘good’ (22%) with educator ratings of ‘very good’ (67%) or ‘good’ (33%). Thematic analysis of student written responses showed increased client diversity, collaboration, peer learning, increased feedback, and improved digital and technology skills. Virtual physical examination and infrastructure limitations were reported as Telehealth clinical practicum challenges. Naturopathic Telehealth clinic practicum is a valuable alternative to in-person clinical practicums for Australian students. It enhances student collaboration and peer learning. Challenges of technology, infrastructure and incorporating Telehealth in curriculum may be barriers to implementation of Telehealth. However, Telehealth is an important clinical training option to prepare student practitioners for contemporary professional practice if in-person consultation is prohibitive, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Complementary Medicine student-led telehealth clinic: evaluating learning & teaching perceptions

“…Results indicated that value, bene ts, and challenges of telehealth remained consistent with the previous pilot study (17). Respondents perceived continuity of practice, future career success and diversity of patients as important.…”

“…A survey for educators and students, in Additional le 1: Table S1, developed by the research team, was based on previous ndings (17). The current survey examined a range of quality markers for telehealth delivery.…”

“…There is currently minimal research exploring CM education (11). A pilot study from TUA on a naturopathic student-led home-based telehealth clinic highlighted increased peer and collaborative learning, expanded patient diversity, improved digital skills, and responsive supervisor feedback (17). Poor technology infrastructure and di culty with physical assessment were detractors to the telehealth learning experience (17).…”

“…This study is an expansion of the pilot evaluation (17). Our aims are to examine CM telehealth learning and teaching experience in a multi-disciplinary, multi-centered student-led clinic.…”

A complementary medicine student-led telehealth clinic: evaluating learning & teaching perceptions

“…Telehealth is technology facilitated healthcare, provided at a distance, that was essential during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns for reducing the risk of infection in clinical settings [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]. CM clinical educators at Torrens University Australia (TUA) implemented telehealth programs that aligned with accrediting body approvals [ 6 , 9 – 11 ].…”