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Table 3 The competencies and skills framework necessary to integrate the telehealth education curriculum

From: The state of the art in telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions

Domain I—Principles of telehealth

 Definition and terminology

 History of telehealth

 Differences and similarities between virtual and face-to-face assistance, including risks and benefits

 Objectives of the telehealth offer

 Patient indications and screenings

 Evidence-based practice in telehealth

 Description of the fiscal impact of telehealth care for the health system, the provider and the patient

Domain II—Care planning and management

 Obtaining patient information, for example the address, if you need an emergency service

 Patient instructions related to the appointment, such as office hours, technical details (lighting, camera position), professional contact information and platform settings used

 Stimulation of patient self-management and self-care

 Development of a patient care plan, checking whether the approach should be mixed, face-to-face care combined with telehealth

Domain III—Assessment, diagnosis and treatment

 Qualification of the student to perform assessment, clinical examination and diagnosis of the patient in the virtual environment

 Preparation of a treatment plan and delivery of treatment via telehealth

 Applicability of services via synchronous or written materials and/or asynchronous videos

 Practical classes with the development of simulated and real care, promoting the clinical experience of virtual care

Domain IV—Adequacy of the Environment

 Usage etiquette instructions, such as: tone of voice, eye contact, body language, greetings and closings, attention to interruptions, professional attire

 Instruction of the service location, such as: clean space, no distractions

 Setting the physical environment for lighting so that the patient visualizes the therapist

 Camera use instructions: angles and framing

 Influence of noise in the therapist's and patient's environment

Domain V—Professionalism

 Empathetic communication, creating a therapist-patient relationship, bonding with the patient, caregivers and family members

 Creating safe care through listening and trusting with the patient

 Align expectations and goals of care between therapist and patient

Domain VI—Legal Aspects

 Understanding Federal and Local Laws in Providing Telehealth Service

 Understanding Federal and Local Laws Regarding Telehealth Service Reimbursement

 Patients' rights in accepting or refusing virtual care

Domain VII – Patient Privacy

 Generate patient privacy during virtual care

 Need to obtain patient consent if there are videos or photos of the service

 Confidentiality of information registered in the virtual service and how to store it

Domain VIII—Patient Safety

 Patient safety risks when receiving care via telehealth, identifying the patient's health conditions and the physical environment

 Identification of the risks, benefits and limitations of the patient when receiving care via telehealth

 Patient instructions for setting up the physical environment for care

 Recording in medical records of telehealth care

 Understanding data security requirements in the use of telehealth platforms, storage of patient data in compliance with federal, state, and professional agencies

 Early identification of emergency needs and referral of the patient to the emergency room

 Identification of patient companions, if you need help in the assessment or care, and ensure safety when necessary

Domain IX—Access and Equity

 Equity in patient care, assessing socioeconomic gaps in access to virtual care

 Considerations regarding cultural, social and digital literacy barriers in virtual service

Domain X—Technology

 Operation on existing software to provide a virtual service

 Hardware operation enabling telehealth delivery

 Preparation for use and technical troubleshooting

 Security of the virtual environment and service platforms