Telemedicine, E-health and Digital Transitions

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, Roma, Italy
Interests: cardiology; arrhythmias; COVID-19, telemedicine

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Co-Guest Editor
National Centre for Telemedicine and New Healthcare Technologies, Italian National Institute of Health—ISS, Rome, Italy
Interests: telemedicine; digital health; education; cardiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the ongoing pandemic, implementing telemedicine and digital health has become exponentially advanced. Technological developments are vital and must necessarily be followed by training medical and paramedical personnel. However, despite the many educational programs that have been developed, the training of health personnel requires the commitment of institutions to structure the shift needed for digital transition in healthcare systems. Describing current or already implemented training programs can be valuable for sharing, emulation, and cooperation within a professional network. This Special Issue on “Telemedicine, e-health and digital transition” in International Medical Education is an innovative topic that plans to give an overview of the most recent advances in training and educational programs for telemedicine and digital health. This Special Issue aims at providing selected contributions on digital health, telemedicine, and digital transitions; the educational needs of health care personnel; the role of institutions in training program development; the means used for program implementation; the development of patient education programs; the strengths and weaknesses of training programs; future prospects in the development of educational programs.

Dr. Maria Chiara Gatto
Dr. Manuela Bocchino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • digital health
  • telemedicine
  • digital transition
  • educational programs

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 214 KiB  
Article
The Role of Health Institutions in Training Healthcare Personnel for the Digital Transition: The International Training Program of the Order of Physicians and Dentists of Rome
by Maria Chiara Gatto, Emanuela Maria Frisicale, Pietro Palopoli, Martina Sapienza, Emanuele Caroppo, Cristina Patrizi, Giovanni Migliano and Gianfranco Damiani
Int. Med. Educ. 2024, 3(1), 92-99; https://doi.org/10.3390/ime3010008 - 15 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257
Abstract
Digital health, encompassing the use of digital technologies in healthcare, and telemedicine, facilitating healthcare delivery across long distances, have witnessed widespread applications across various healthcare domains. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in healthcare, overcoming barriers to access and fostering [...] Read more.
Digital health, encompassing the use of digital technologies in healthcare, and telemedicine, facilitating healthcare delivery across long distances, have witnessed widespread applications across various healthcare domains. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in healthcare, overcoming barriers to access and fostering transitions to new care models. However, healthcare professionals often lack digital health competencies, necessitating targeted training initiatives. This study presents a project initiated by the Order of Physicians and Dentists of Rome, promoting a comprehensive training program in digital health for healthcare professionals. This investigation aims to describe the project, report demographic characteristics of participants, and analyze survey results on participants’ perceptions of the training program. The Erasmus+ project, titled ‘Training of Physician Trainers in Telemedicine, eHealth, and Digital Medicine,’ facilitated the digital transition of the healthcare sector through international training. The project involved structured courses, job-shadowing, and support activities in Malta and Madrid. A survey, developed using the Delphi methodology, assessed participants’ views on telemedicine. Thirty participants, selected based on merit, engaged in the project. Survey responses highlighted a strong impact on participants’ understanding of digital health concepts and increased confidence in utilizing digital tools. Notably, 85% acknowledged significant skill acquisition in healthcare digitalization. The project addressed a critical training gap among healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need for ongoing education in digital health. Despite existing recommendations, formal digital health education remains limited. The study underscores the importance of educational efforts to foster a digitalized healthcare model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telemedicine, E-health and Digital Transitions)
11 pages, 242 KiB  
Article
Follow-Up of Post Myocardial Infarction Using Telemedicine: Stakeholders’ Education, Results and Customer Satisfaction
by Manuela Bocchino, Francesco Gabbrielli, Guglielmo Pastena, Nicola Danisi, Fabio Ferranti, Raffaele Scardala, Mariagrazia Romano, Claudia Sorrentino and Fabrizio Ammirati
Int. Med. Educ. 2024, 3(1), 1-11; https://doi.org/10.3390/ime3010001 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1300
Abstract
Background. There are few studies about post myocardial infarction follow-up using telemedicine. We organized a post-discharge telemedicine service with a dedicated team. To do this, it was necessary that all stakeholders involved in the organization and use of the telemedicine service were properly [...] Read more.
Background. There are few studies about post myocardial infarction follow-up using telemedicine. We organized a post-discharge telemedicine service with a dedicated team. To do this, it was necessary that all stakeholders involved in the organization and use of the telemedicine service were properly educated and informed. Methods. We designed a theoretical–practical mini-course to train healthcare personnel and increase skills, with excellent learning outcomes and satisfaction. Thereafter, we enrolled patients affected by acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI), MINOCA (myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis), Takotsubo syndrome or spontaneous coronary dissection, and high-risk acute myocardial infarction without ST elevation (NSTEMI). At discharge, the cardiology technician performed counselling for the patient, using regional platforms, such as televisit, at 1 and 4 months, allowed us to monitor major adverse cardiac events (MACE), heart failure, arrhythmias, unstable angina and non-cardiovascular events, therapy adherence, target therapy and customer satisfaction. Results. Between November 2021 and February 2023, we enrolled 110 patients: 72% affected by STEMI, 22% by NSTEMI. At the 1-month follow up, 12 patients did not reach the pressure target and 23 patients did not reach the LDL target. We observed three patients requiring hospital readmission, three requiring hospital visits for further investigation, and one death. To date, a four month follow up was performed for 54 patients. No readmissions or deaths occurred. We detected a rate of 96% of customer satisfaction. Conclusions. A health coordination center with a dedicated team makes televisit safe as a follow-up for post-myocardial infarction patients. Beforehand, it is fundamental for healthcare professionals to acquire theoretical knowledge and updates, and the acquisition of manual, technical and practical skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telemedicine, E-health and Digital Transitions)

Review

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12 pages, 1637 KiB  
Review
Mapping Dementia Care Technology: Tailored Digital Solutions across Stages
by Sima Ipakchian Askari, Dianne Vasseur, Bob Hofstede, Piyakorn Koowattanataworn and Henk Herman Nap
Int. Med. Educ. 2024, 3(2), 140-151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ime3020012 - 15 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1470
Abstract
Over the years, there has been an increase in the development of assistive technologies. To date, the stages of dementia that these technologies can be best implemented has been underexplored. In previous work, researchers developed an infographic providing guidance on when best to [...] Read more.
Over the years, there has been an increase in the development of assistive technologies. To date, the stages of dementia that these technologies can be best implemented has been underexplored. In previous work, researchers developed an infographic providing guidance on when best to introduce assistive technologies for people with dementia, and although this infographic is relevant, it was based solely on the experience of the authors during various national and international projects. However, various studies have been conducted on the use and implementation of technology for people with dementia, providing information on when care technology should be implemented. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to conduct a literature review, and based on the results, to design an infographic showing recommendations on when to implement an assistive technology. The infographic was evaluated during interviews with experts on the implementation of care technology for people with dementia. Our results propose earlier implementation for several technologies, as well as the importance of considering contextual factors such as personal characteristics, background and technical experience when implementing technology. The designed infographic can facilitate the digital transition for healthcare institutions and personnel by offering information into the implementation process of care technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telemedicine, E-health and Digital Transitions)
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