Guidelines for Rapport-Building in Telehealth Videoconferencing: Interprofessional e-Delphi Study.

Abstract

Background: Telehealth training is increasingly incorporated into educational programs for health professions students and practicing clinicians. However, existing competencies and standards primarily address videoconferencing visit logistics, diagnostic modifications, and etiquette, often lacking comprehensive guidance on adapting interpersonal skills to convey empathy, cultural humility, and trust in web-based settings.

Objective: This study aimed to establish consensus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for health professions students and clinicians to build rapport with patients in telehealth videoconferencing visits and to identify teaching strategies that best support these educational goals.

Methods: An e-Delphi study was conducted using a panel of 12 interprofessional experts in telehealth and telehealth education. Round 1 involved interviews, followed by anonymous surveys in rounds 2-4 to build consensus.

Results: All 12 experts participated in rounds 1-3. In total, 19 themes related to rapport-building and 77 specific curriculum items were identified, all achieving the established level of consensus.

Conclusions: Using a competency-based education framework, this study provides guidance for health professions educators, teaching clinicians, and students on how to adapt interpersonal skills for telehealth including detailed content related to knowledge, skills, attitudes, and teaching strategies. Future research is needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of curricula based on these competencies and teaching strategies.