The rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the training of general practitioner (GP) registrars in Australia. A recent study by the RACGP's GP Training Research team, published in Medical Education, sheds light on the challenges faced by registrars and educators in this new environment. The research, based on interviews with 15 registrars, five supervisors, and five medical educators, revealed several key findings.
One of the main issues identified was the disruption of learning interactions. Registrars found it challenging to involve supervisors during telehealth consultations, and both registrars and educators were learning to navigate the new technology simultaneously during a time of crisis. This led to a shift in the usual learning environment, with registrars seeking supervisory advice post-consultation rather than during the consultation itself. The study's author, Irena Patsan, noted that this delay in feedback could be a concern for educators.
The study also highlighted reduced opportunities for in-person clinical education. As telehealth consultations focused on simple issues like repeat prescriptions and certificates, there were fewer chances for hands-on learning and problem-solving. This aligns with findings from the ReCEnT project, which showed shorter consultation durations, less frequent in-consultation supervisory advice, and fewer physical examinations.
The rapid uptake of telehealth had a broader impact on the learning environment. The study authors found that the in-practice social space for registrars' learning was altered, emphasizing the need for telehealth-specific training to maximize learning during consultations. Dr. Linda Klein, the study's senior author, suggests that telehealth may not be the best approach for first-year registrars and should be introduced when they are more confident and require less in-practice supervision.
The importance of practice-focused research during times of disruption was underscored by Associate Professor James Brown, RACGP's Director of Medical Education. He believes that this study provides valuable insights to maintain effective training in a rapidly changing environment. The publication of the research in a prestigious medical education journal further emphasizes the significance and quality of the work.
For those interested in learning more, the RACGP GP Training team is available to provide additional information and access to the full-text article. This study offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and educators, especially in countries that have rapidly adopted telehealth services, highlighting the need for careful consideration and adaptation in training practices.
