Precepting in the Time of COVID-19
Under normal circumstances, this email directs you to specific resources on TeachingPhysician.org. But given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency, we wanted to share some important information with you about remote precepting and telemedicine.
Students
You may be able to involve your students in telemedicine visits by getting histories, presenting to the attending while the patient watches, and having the student write notes. Some practices are having their students assist their patients with the steep technological learning curve of telemedicine by problem-solving the technology and educating them on the process of telemedicine. If you find innovative ways to engage your students, be sure to share your ideas with colleagues. We're all in this together.
Many precepting principles that we share on TeachingPhysician.org still apply for telemedicine encounters. Consider reading over the Orienting a Learner and Teaching Strategies sections for ideas on ways to effectively work with your learners.
Telemedicine
Earlier this week, CMS released the provisions of a new interim rule related to remote precepting and telehealth. CMS has modified Medicare supervision requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will now allow for: 1) remote precepting, and 2) resident provision of telehealth for payment. This is retroactive to March 1. Read more about these CMS changes.
Repository of Online Teaching & Telemedicine Resources
In this time of rapid clinical and academic changes around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine is here to support all preceptors and teachers of family medicine. To that end, STFM has compiled an easy-to-navigate hub of resources that organized into the following categories:
- Distance Learning Curriculum
- Faculty Resources
- Telemedicine
- Supervision of Residents for Telemedicine Visits
- US and World Trackers
- Wellness
More About Teaching Medical Students
Visit the Precepting Principles section for more information about teaching medical students with little-to-no clinical experience.