Abstract
Purpose: To determine if inter-institutional collaboration, using telehealth technology, inter-professional education techniques, and case study methodology is a feasible way to teach health professions students how to appropriately address opioid addictions, especially in rural populations with limited health care access.
Study subjects: Ten health professions students from four Virginia universities participated. Professions represented included medicine, nursing, physical therapy, social work, nutrition, and psychology at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Methods: Inter-professional faculty from four Virginia universities developed an opioid addiction simulation case study using a standardized patient. Students from different regions engaged in a facilitated patient interview and care planning via secure virtual meeting platform. Faculty observation and feedback, student feedback, and inter-professional education assessments were used to assess this pilot study.
Findings: Inter-institutional faculty collaboration and telehealth technology was successfully employed to convene multiple health professions students from different sites; simulation case study methodology using a standardized patient was effective and compelling; students effectively utilized interprofessional competencies and skills to develop a comprehensive and holistic care plan for opioid addiction treatment.
Conclusions: Telehealth technology, inter-professional education, and simulation case study methodology can be successfully used to teach health professions students how to collaborate to address the opioid crisis, especially in resource-limited rural areas.
Implications: Many resources are necessary to successfully treat opioid addictions. By using telehealth technology combined with inter-professional concepts and skills, resources can be shared between institutions and professions to successfully treat patients with opioid addictions in resource-limited areas.
Recommended Citation
Gilson deValpine, Maria RN PhD; Hanula, Kristin MSW, LCSW; Trinkle, David MD; Poston, Rebecca PhD, RN, CPNP-PC; Owen, John EdD, MSc.; Brashers, Valentina MD; and Lewis, Erica RN, PhD
(2019)
"Expanding Rural Opioid Addictions Treatment: An Inter-institutional, Inter-professional Telehealth Case Study Simulation,"
Virginia Journal of Public Health: Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/vjph/vol3/iss1/2