Continuous Learning in Telehealth: Staying Up-to-Date with Best Practices

Vol. 1, No. 11     |     June 21, 2024     |    By Dave Larsen, Väsentlig Consulting LLC

As a home-based solo mental health practitioner using telehealth as your primary method of interacting with clients, staying up-to-date with the latest best practices and research is essential for providing high-quality care and maintaining your professional competence (Maheu et al., 2020).

In a rapidly evolving field like telehealth, continuous learning is not just a professional obligation but a necessity for navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of virtual care delivery (Hilty et al., 2018). In this post, we'll explore the key strategies and resources for staying current with telehealth best practices, drawing on research and professional guidelines in the field.

The Importance of Continuous Learning in Telehealth

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth in mental health care, with many practitioners transitioning to virtual care delivery almost overnight (Pierce et al., 2021). While this rapid shift has demonstrated the potential of telehealth to increase access to care and maintain continuity of services, it has also highlighted the need for ongoing training and education to ensure that practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective and ethical care via telehealth (Maheu et al., 2020).

Moreover, the field of telehealth is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and research findings emerging at a rapid pace (Hilty et al., 2018). To keep up with these changes and provide the best possible care to their clients, telehealth practitioners must engage in continuous learning and professional development (Smith et al., 2020).

The benefits of continuous learning in telehealth are numerous, including:

1. Improved Clinical Outcomes: By staying up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices and research findings, practitioners can enhance the quality and effectiveness of their telehealth interventions, leading to better clinical outcomes for their clients (Maheu et al., 2020).

2. Enhanced Ethical Practice: Continuous learning helps practitioners navigate the unique ethical challenges of telehealth, such as maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and managing boundaries in a virtual environment (Lustgarten & Elhai, 2018).

3. Increased Competence and Confidence: Engaging in ongoing training and education can help practitioners feel more competent and confident in their ability to deliver high-quality care via telehealth, reducing the risk of burnout and increasing job satisfaction (Pierce et al., 2021).

4. Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Many states and professional organizations have specific requirements for telehealth training and continuing education, and staying current with these requirements is essential for maintaining licensure and credentialing (Maheu et al., 2020).
   

By prioritizing continuous learning and professional development, telehealth practitioners can ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their clients while also advancing the field of telehealth as a whole (Hilty et al., 2018).

Key Areas for Continuous Learning in Telehealth

To stay up-to-date with telehealth best practices, practitioners should focus on continuous learning in several key areas, including:

1. Clinical Skills and Interventions: Practitioners should seek out training and education on evidence-based telehealth interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), as well as best practices for adapting these interventions to a virtual format (Maheu et al., 2020).

2. Technology and Platform Use: Continuous learning in telehealth should also focus on developing skills and knowledge related to the use of telehealth technologies and platforms, such as video conferencing software, mobile apps, and remote monitoring devices (Hilty et al., 2018).

3. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Practitioners should stay current with the latest ethical guidelines and legal requirements for telehealth practice, including issues related to informed consent, confidentiality, and cross-state licensure (Lustgarten & Elhai, 2018).

4. Cultural Competence: Telehealth practitioners should also engage in ongoing learning related to cultural competence and diversity, to ensure that they are providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care to clients from diverse backgrounds (Smith et al., 2020).

5. Self-Care and Burnout Prevention: Given the unique challenges and stressors of telehealth practice, continuous learning should also focus on strategies for self-care, stress management, and burnout prevention (Pierce et al., 2021).

By engaging in continuous learning across these key areas, telehealth practitioners can develop a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge that will enable them to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to their clients (Maheu et al., 2020).

Strategies for Continuous Learning in Telehealth

There are many strategies and resources available for telehealth practitioners seeking to engage in continuous learning and professional development, including:

1. Formal Training Programs: Many universities and professional organizations offer formal training programs in telehealth, ranging from short workshops to full certificate programs (Hilty et al., 2018). These programs can provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning telehealth best practices and skills.

2. Continuing Education Courses: Telehealth practitioners can also earn continuing education credits by completing online or in-person courses on topics related to telehealth (Maheu et al., 2020). Many professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), offer a wide range of continuing education courses on telehealth.

3. Professional Conferences and Webinars: Attending professional conferences and webinars can be a great way to stay current with the latest research and best practices in telehealth (Smith et al., 2020). Many conferences now offer virtual attendance options, making it easier for practitioners to access these learning opportunities from home.

4. Peer Consultation and Supervision: Engaging in peer consultation and supervision with other telehealth practitioners can provide valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth (Pierce et al., 2021). Practitioners can join online communities or networks to connect with colleagues and share knowledge and resources.

5. Self-Directed Learning: Telehealth practitioners can also engage in self-directed learning by reading professional journals, books, and online resources related to telehealth (Hilty et al., 2018). Many professional organizations and government agencies, such as the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), offer free resources and guides on telehealth best practices.

By using a combination of these strategies and resources, telehealth practitioners can create a personalized and effective approach to continuous learning that meets their unique needs and goals (Maheu et al., 2020).

Overcoming Barriers to Continuous Learning in Telehealth

Despite the many benefits of continuous learning in telehealth, practitioners may face several barriers to engaging in ongoing professional development, including:

1. Time Constraints: Solo practitioners may struggle to find the time to engage in continuous learning activities while also managing their clinical caseload and administrative responsibilities (Pierce et al., 2021).

2. Financial Constraints: Some continuous learning opportunities, such as formal training programs or conferences, may be expensive or require travel, which can be a barrier for solo practitioners with limited financial resources (Maheu et al., 2020).

3. Lack of Awareness: Some practitioners may not be aware of the available resources and opportunities for continuous learning in telehealth or may not know where to start (Hilty et al., 2018).

To overcome these barriers, telehealth practitioners can:

1. Prioritize Learning: Make continuous learning a priority by setting aside dedicated time each week or month for professional development activities (Pierce et al., 2021).

2. Seek Out Low-Cost or Free Resources: Take advantage of low-cost or free learning opportunities, such as online courses, webinars, or self-directed learning resources (Maheu et al., 2020).

3. Join Professional Networks: Join professional networks or organizations that offer access to learning resources and opportunities, as well as support and guidance from colleagues (Hilty et al., 2018).

4. Advocate for Support: Advocate for support from professional organizations, employers, or policymakers to increase access to continuous learning opportunities and resources for telehealth practitioners (Smith et al., 2020).

By proactively addressing these barriers and seeking out support and resources, telehealth practitioners can create a sustainable and effective approach to continuous learning and professional development (Maheu et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Continuous learning is a critical component of providing high-quality, evidence-based care via telehealth. By staying up-to-date with the latest best practices, research findings, and technological advancements, telehealth practitioners can enhance their clinical skills, navigate ethical and legal challenges, and provide culturally sensitive care to diverse populations.

While engaging in continuous learning can be challenging for busy solo practitioners, there are many strategies and resources available to support ongoing professional development, from formal training programs to self-directed learning opportunities. By prioritizing continuous learning and seeking out support and guidance from colleagues and professional organizations, telehealth practitioners can overcome barriers and create a personalized approach to staying current with best practices.

Ultimately, the benefits of continuous learning in telehealth extend beyond individual practitioners to the field as a whole. By collectively committing to ongoing education and professional development, telehealth practitioners can advance the quality and effectiveness of virtual care delivery, expand access to mental health services, and improve outcomes for clients and communities.

As the field of telehealth continues to evolve and grow, continuous learning will remain a vital tool for ensuring that practitioners are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

---

References

Hilty, D. M., Maheu, M. M., Drude, K. P., & Hertlein, K. M. (2018). The need to implement and evaluate telehealth competency frameworks to ensure quality care across behavioral health professions. Academic Psychiatry, 42(6), 818-824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-018-0992-5

Lustgarten, S. D., & Elhai, J. D. (2018). Technology use in mental health practice and research: Legal and ethical risks. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 25(2), e12234. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12234

Maheu, M. M., Drude, K. P., Hertlein, K. M., & Hilty, D. M. (2020). A framework for interprofessional telebehavioral health competencies: Implementation and challenges moving forward. Academic Psychiatry, 44(6), 791-808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-020-01236-7

Pierce, B. S., Perrin, P. B., & McDonald, S. D. (2021). Promoting ethics in the practice of telepsychology: Key issues and recommendations. Telemedicine and e-Health, 27(3), 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2020.0048

Smith, K., Ostinelli, E., Macdonald, O., & Cipriani, A. (2020). Covid-19 and telepsychiatry: Development of evidence-based guidance for clinicians. JMIR Mental Health, 7(8), e21108. https://doi.org/10.2196/21108