Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact of Technology on Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, a case study

Purpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program. Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over video. The duo participated in 12 four-hour virtual TWE mentoring sessions over four-and-a-half months. Outcome: Clinical mentor evaluations and interviews of the synchronous virtual TWE mentor-mentee pair were analyzed for feasibility and effectiveness comparisons. Virtual mentoring using TWE technology was feasible, and mentoring quality was perceived as comparable to face-to-face mentoring. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the initial feasibility of using TWE technology integrated during virtual mentoring sessions in the outpatient setting to support learning in a neurologic physical therapy residency program.