Efficacy of a novel sleep telemedicine curriculum among pulmonary/critical care and sleep medicine fellows

SESSION TITLE: Education, Research, and Quality Improvement Posters 4 SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/10/2023 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm PURPOSE: Despite increased use of sleep telemedicine, there is no standardized training for pulmonary/critical care medicine (PCCM) and sleep medicine fellows in using this emerging healthcare modality. This study assessed the impact of a novel sleep telemedicine curriculum on these fellows’ knowledge and perceptions about it. The findings may lead to further research exploring refinements to, and dissemination of, this curriculum. METHODS: Sleep medicine and PCCM fellows were invited to take part in the study at the start of their sleep medicine clinical training. Participants completed (1) a pre-curriculum knowledge assessment and (2) an experience/perception questionnaire. All answers were collected anonymously via Emory University’s REDcap data collection tool. A multi-modal curriculum was implemented over 2 weeks to enhance fellows’ knowledge of, and experience with, telemedicine. This curriculum included recorded video didactics, clinical experience, and a reading list for more in-depth study. Participants then completed (1) a post-curriculum knowledge assessment (identical to the pre-curriculum knowledge assessment) and (2) a modified experience/perception questionnaire. They also provided feedback about the curriculum. Pre- and post-curriculum questionnaire data were compared with paired t-tests using Microsoft Excel statistics functionality. RESULTS: Twelve sleep and PCCM fellows completed the pre-curriculum questionnaires. Of them, 9 fellows also completed the post-curriculum questionnaires. All fellows demonstrated improvement on the post-curriculum knowledge questionnaire compared to the pre-curriculum knowledge questionnaire. Their mean percentage correct increased from 53.14% pre-curriculum to 75.36% post-curriculum (mean difference = 22.22%; p<0.0001). The most knowledge was gained in questions regarding telemedicine definitions, telemedicine-related costs, licensure requirements, and resources for telemedicine reimbursement rules. Comparing the pre- and post-curriculum experience and perceptions of telemedicine questionnaire, 5 (55.5%) participants demonstrated improved perceptions regarding sleep telemedicine. The 9 participants’ mean total pre-curriculum score on this questionnaire was 55.6 points, compared to 58 points on the post-curriculum questionnaire (mean difference 2.4 points; p = 0.116). They also felt more likely to use telemedicine even after the Covid-19 pandemic in the post-curriculum survey. When asked about their experiences with the curriculum on a rating scale of 1 (not so helpful), 2 (somewhat helpful), and 3 (very helpful), 5/5 respondents gave a 3 for online video material and clinical experience. In terms of the printed reference material, 4/4 respondents gave a score of 3. CONCLUSIONS: This sleep telemedicine curriculum significantly increased sleep telemedicine knowledge among PCCM and sleep medicine fellows. The curriculum may have led to more positive impressions and long-term acceptance of sleep telemedicine among the participants. Additionally, fellows who provided feedback about the curriculum all found each aspect (online videos, printed reference materials, sleep telemedicine clinics) to be useful. The study's limitations include a relatively small sample size, potential response biases, and its occurring at a single site. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential usefulness of a sleep telemedicine curriculum among PCCM and sleep medicine fellows. Its multimodal nature could be well-suited for various types of learners (visual, auditory, experiential). This curriculum could be deployed among larger groups of trainees in multiple centers. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by J. Shirine Allam No relevant relationships by Swapan Dholakia No relevant relationships by Barry Fields No relevant relationships by Zakaa Hassan No relevant relationships by Octavian Ioachimescu