An E-Delphi Study to Identify Core Competencies for Managing Chronic Patients’ Needs Through Telecare

Introduction. Since there is an increase in chronicdisease prevalence, there is a global challenge in thefield of healthcare professional education in effectivelytreating chronic patients. Telecare is an effectiveway of caring for specific populations and situations,but it requires specific competencies and skillsfrom health professionals.Aim. To recognize core telecare competencies ofhealthcare professionals for the management ofchronic patients, as part of the “BeEmTel: Beyond theEmergency. Telecare for Non-Communicable Diseasesthrough Simulation Techniques” project.Methods. A three-round e-Delphi study was conductedfrom May to August 2022. A panel of 26 experts fromfive European countries was asked to approve, modify,or add items and then prioritize each competence.Results. This e-Delphi resulted in 37 competenciesincluded in 12 domains: laws/normative/ethics, multidisciplinaryteam, shared decision-making, patient/caregiver education, relationship, assessment/evaluation,planning, knowledge/ability, communication,risk evaluation, psychological and emotional supportand family involvement. From the total of 37 competencies,experts agreed about the score of 22 ofthem. The agreement in all competencies rangedfrom 92.4% to 100% (defined as >75% agreement).Conclusions. The results of this study will provide thebasis for European educational institutions to developeducational programs on telecare in chronic diseasesas well as to establish national policies on telecare.