Evaluating a Virtual Flipped Classroom Approach to Nurse Practitioner Telehealth Competency Development

Background: Evidence supports the use of multi- modal approaches to develop nurse practitioner (NP) students' telehealth competency. Method: A virtual flipped classroom approach that included eLearning, interactive webinars, and virtual standardized patient (SP) simulations was implemented and evaluated to teach NP students to use telehealth and other connected health technologies to improve care for underserved populations. Results: Analysis of data from multiple-choice quizzes, surveys, and SP evaluations indicated students achieved high levels of knowledge, met the learning objectives, demonstrated above-average competency during telehealth simulations that improved over time, and were highly satisfied with the learning experiences. Conclusion: The educational benefits of a flipped classroom can be realized within a fully online learning experience. Future research should examine the effects of repeated simulation opportunities on telehealth competency development.