Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to physical examinations. Neurology, a field that relies heavily on detailed history taking and precise physical examinations, has been at the forefront of telemedicine. The research article "Certified Examination Assistants in the Age of Telemedicine: A Blueprint Through Neurology" offers valuable insights into optimizing telemedicine practices, particularly through the use of certified examination assistants.
Here are some key takeaways from the research that can help practitioners improve their telemedicine skills:
- Importance of Certified Assistants: Certified assistants can perform high-quality patient examinations under direct physician supervision. This contrasts with advanced practice providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners, who are trained to diagnose and treat patients.
- Training Programs: Various certification programs, such as those offered by Thomas Jefferson University and the National School of Applied Telehealth, can provide the necessary skills for telehealth facilitators and clinical presenters.
- History Taking: The acquisition of patient history should not be substantially altered due to the lack of in-person interaction. Coordinated group calls or video chats can optimize history taking, involving geographically dispersed family members and caretakers.
- Physical Examination: A teleneurology examination presents challenges but can still include the standard seven parts of a neurologic examination. The presence of a trained assistant can make a significant difference in the quality of the examination.
- Legal Implications: The use of trained assistants can facilitate informed consent and help provide a higher quality examination, potentially reducing diagnostic errors and litigation risks.
Implementing these insights can significantly improve the quality of telemedicine services, making them more reliable and effective. For practitioners looking to enhance their telemedicine skills, pursuing certification programs and staying updated with the latest research can be highly beneficial.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Certified Examination Assistants in the Age of Telemedicine: A Blueprint Through Neurology
