Evaluating the Educational Impact of Telehealth on Adolescent Medicine Trainees: a Qualitative Approach.

ABSTRACT

Purpose of Review Telehealth has been swiftly incorporated into clinical practice since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited understanding of how it affects trainees' educational experiences. Our study evaluates the impact of telehealth on clinical education in pediatric and Adolescent Medicine trainees during the pandemic. Recent Findings: Previous literature on telehealth focused on provider and patient perceptions in addition to clinical education for students, though none has evaluated the experiences of medical residents and fellows in Adolescent Medicine. Summary: Trainees reported enhanced opportunities for bidirectional observation with attending physicians, increased flexibility for the trainee and families, and the opportunity to engage with adolescents in their home environment. Drawbacks include decreased physical exam skill-building and technological difficulties that can interrupt the learning experience. Telehealth is a valuable tool in clinical education and innovative strategies are needed to refine and enhance these educational experiences for pediatric and Adolescent Medicine trainees.