Telehealth Simulation of Psychiatric and Chronic Disease Comorbidity: Response to the COVID-19 National Epidemic

Abstract

Background: Health care education, including simulations, has been disrupted by COVID-19, challenging educators to devise innovative ways to continue instruction. Methods: We conducted a pilot study to explore student perceptions of utilizing telehealth technology to manage the crisis care of psychiatric patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were asked to complete an online open-ended survey on their perspectives regarding the use of telehealth as a delivery mechanism and skill in the telehealth management of comorbidities. Results: Students agreed that telehealth technology is feasible and acceptable. Because of the simulation, nursing students expressed increased openness to, interest in, and confidence in using telemedicine for the management of psychiatric patients. Conclusions: Our study shows that telemedicine simulations can improve nursing students’ comfort with and future use of telemedicine for treating psychiatric patients.