A Virtual Communication Workshop to Increase Confidence Using Telehealth Modalities

COVID-19 ended in-person communication training workshops at our institution, so we sought to provide a way for family medicine residents to hone their telephone and audio-visual skills online. We developed a 2-hour online workshop where residents practiced delivering serious news to family members via telephone or videoconferencing call and measured participant confidence via pre-, post-, and 6-month surveys. Participant confidence in delivering serious news via telephone and videoconferencing increased. Sustained confidence at 6-month follow-up was not confirmed. Offering an online opportunity to practice delivering serious news by telephone or videoconferencing call appears to be a successful way to bolster confidence. Participants found using realistic scenarios and discussion of best practices most helpful.