Teleneurology Training Curriculum

Teleneurology Training Curriculum for Neurology Residents at University of Rochester

Through a generous educational grant from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Colleen Tomcik, MD, Associate Director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program, has created a series of training modules.  These self-guided Power Point presentations cover historical and technical aspects of the practice of teleneurology, and provide an important foundation to the residents’ practical experience in observing and performing televideo visits throughout their years of training.  Each module includes illustrative case vignettes and important references.

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only, and cannot be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of the University of Rochester.

MODULE 1: OVERVIEW AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS
This module discusses the various types of teleneurology applications, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing teleneurology into practice.  It provides a URMC-specific technical overview of what is required for performing teleneurology visits in the outpatient setting.  Finally, this module reviews best practices for the virtual neurological examination and how to appropriately utilize teleneurology for patient care.

MODULE 2: LICENSURE AND MEDICO-LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This module discusses New York State specific insurance coverage and reimbursement issues for teleneurology services, including changes that have been implemented in the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It examines licensure requirements and caveats regarding malpractice and documentation particular to teleneurology encounters.

MODULE 3: “WEBSIDE MANNER”
This module reviews the keys to creating a professional and welcoming environment for virtual visits.  It includes a short video of an actual teleneurology follow up visit to highlight principles of good “webside manner.”

MODULE 4: PATIENT PRIVACY AND CONSENT
The final module examines how best to obtain and verify consent from patients for teleneurology services.  It reviews what should be disclosed to the patient, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards’ Model Policy for the Appropriate Use of Telemedicine Technologies in the Practice of Medicine.  This module also dictates how best to ensure patient privacy during televisits.