An Analysis of Training of the Remote Medical Provider

Authors

Jon B. Christensen, Virginia University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

DMSc - EMGH

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

The remote medical provider (RMP) is any level of a practitioner who provides health care or service in a remote setting, defined as isolation from ‘routine’ healthcare service due to limited resources, physical distance, mission parameters, travel time, or sociopolitical constraints. A remote setting is further described within these five disciplines: austere, disaster/humanitarian, expedition, military, and wilderness medicine. The RMP requires a multidisciplinary knowledge base with advanced skills to deliver innovative treatment methods with limited diagnostic support or advanced services and is well-versed in both independent duty care and collaborative telehealth - telemedicine. They require competence in progressively higher levels of care with a seasoned level of understanding, responsibility, and resourcefulness. The RMP needs to have flexibility and adaptability, a robust public-global health perspective, and a cross-culture understanding. This article summarizes the mindset, educational requirements, training aspects, and treatment protocols that help guide the RMP and establishes the baseline criteria and institutional standards for the RMP concept, providing a foundation resource for policymakers and academic leaders.

Recommended Citation

Christensen JB. An Analysis of Training of the Remote Medical Provider. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).