Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing is pioneering the integration of advanced telehealth technology into their curriculum with GALE eClinic units. This innovative approach reshapes nursing education, providing undergraduate and graduate nursing students with hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, particularly benefiting those from rural and Indigenous communities.
Redwood City, CA – July 16, 2024
The Genesis of Innovation
As a collaboration between the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing and the Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center, an HRSA ANEW grant has provided the Rural Ready Nurse Practitioners training program opportunity for students committed to serving in rural settings. This initiative started just before the onset of COVID-19, with the pandemic necessitating a pivot from in-person learning opportunities to remote education.
Now that the program has shifted back to in-person learning, telemedicine continues to enrich the curriculum, blending traditional and modern healthcare training methods.
GALE eClinic units offer an array of telehealth tools, enabling students to conduct remote consultations and examinations. The initial reception of these kits during the pandemic was overwhelmingly positive. Undergraduate students were paired with nurse practitioner students to handle standardized patients, creating dynamic, hands-on learning scenarios.
Alicia Crane, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, who participated as a Family Nurse Practitioner student in simulations with undergraduate students, shared her perspective on using GALE in the program:
“It was awesome, and I felt like it was the next best thing to seeing a patient in person.”
Enhancing Learning through Hands-On Experience
The GALE eClinics have significantly impacted student engagement and learning styles, merging well with simulation to accommodate different learning approaches. Some students initially held back and observed, but peer encouragement led to more active participation. The interaction and independent exploration of the technology has enhanced their critical thinking and communication skills.
Students have shown remarkable growth in their competence with telehealth technology. For instance, undergraduate students began asking detailed questions independently and effectively using the available tools. The experience has substantially improved their comfort and proficiency with telehealth technology, preparing them for real-world applications.
Stacy Stellflug, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, Associate Professor of Nursing at MSU, commented on the undergraduate nursing student’s quick adoption and understanding of the GALE Telemedicine units:
“I thought, ‘That's weird. I mean, they're like brand new. How can they know how to ask all these questions?’ They found the tab (In the GALE platform) with the chief complaint information themselves. It was fun to see them interacting and teaching each other. Initially, we thought we’d have to guide them step-by-step, but they took over and had this fun exchange of information.”
Dr. Alicia Crane commented on the student’s development while using GALE:
“I saw a huge confidence boost in students using these kits. I'm sure even moving to the clinical sites, they built on their confidence and ability to provide care for patients.”
Preparing Students for the Future
Exposure to advanced telehealth tools is crucial for preparing nursing students for their future careers. Students have returned from clinical experiences feeling empowered and ready to demonstrate their newfound skills. Tools like digital stethoscopes have been particularly impactful, with students eagerly sharing tips and insights with nurse practitioners thanks to their previous exposure via their time with the GALE eClinics.
“Learning how to use telehealth and the associated tools provides students with the skill set to serve rural communities where access to healthcare providers is limited,” commented Alicia Crane, “I honestly think they could put it on their resume.”
Integrating GALE eClinic units has fostered a collaborative learning environment that transcends the classroom. Initially piloted with a small local cohort, the program has evolved from a show-and-tell format to a more serious, deeply engaging, hands-on experience. This kind of preparation is critical for students’ future careers.
Alicia Crane continued, “The platform allows for different disciplines to work together, providing learning on how to use a team approach to care for patients. This is beneficial not only for telehealth but also a needed skill for nursing practice in general.”
“These are valuable lessons they’ll carry into their careers and possibly into preceptorship or mentorship roles,” added Stacy Stellflug.
Impact on Rural and Indigenous Communities
The program also lays the groundwork for broader applications in rural healthcare settings. Many undergraduate nursing students and nurse practitioner students come from rural areas, and the program introduces them to technology they can use in their communities. This approach could provide telehealth services to those lacking access to traditional healthcare, including Indigenous communities. The potential for positive impact is immense.
Stellflug highlights the program’s long-term vision of providing telehealth services in rural settings as a training opportunity for students. This involves mentoring experiences where students can go out and provide services, especially in underserved communities.
“We're introducing them to the technology, the tools, and the capabilities they can use with these kits. Perhaps it even means they're out on the reservation doing home visits as nurses, and they can dial into the provider and say, ‘Here we are,’ because the person doesn't have access to or reliable transportation; the healthcare can come to them. This is one facet we're hoping to develop.”
“This opens the doors to going into these communities instead of having them come outside their communities to receive care. Using this platform enables users to better understand and address the unique needs of diverse populations by bringing healthcare to them, which gives a focus on cultural competence.” – Alicia Crane, DNP, APRN, FNP-C.
By training students to deliver telehealth services locally, the program not only enhances healthcare access but empowers students to become advocates and leaders in their communities.
Other institutions looking to enhance and prepare students for the future of healthcare can consider integrating telemedicine platforms into their curricula to revolutionize nursing education and shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Contact us to see how we can help you get started.
About 19Labs
19Labs is the creator of GALE, a Next Generation Point-of-Care platform for pharmacies, schools, workplaces, and rural communities. GALE brings together cutting-edge diagnostic technologies from industry leaders like Zoom, Elo, Amwell, Samsung Mobile, MIR, Omron, Viasat, EchoNous, PAP Link, and many others in one smart, efficient, and cost-effective platform. It was designed from the ground up to be operated by non-healthcare professionals in locations with limited infrastructure and optimized for low bandwidth and intermittent connectivity. To learn more about GALE, please visit www.19labs.com.
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