DOCTOR'S PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCES IN TELEMEDICINE

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the professional skills forming the professional competence of a doctor providing medical care in the field of telemedicine. Methods: The following research methods were used: secondary analysis of sociological research data from Russian analytical agencies and the author's medico-sociological research on the topic "Telemedicine in the daily professional activity of a doctor." The analysis was carried out by the method of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The total sample size was 100 respondents; the study period is October 2021. Results: The study results showed a relatively high level of medical specialists' preparedness to use telecommunication technologies in their professional activities. Telehealth skills are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis, correct use of medical equipment, etc. According to the respondents, the primary way of telemedicine skills mastering is training from medical equipment suppliers, self-education and refresher courses initiated by the employer. In addition, a modern doctor needs to master "soft skills", which include operational thinking, multitasking and multiskilfulness, autonomy, communication skills, multilingualism and multiculturalism, creativity. Conclusion: Telemedicine and personalised medicine in Russia and globally are opening up a new frontier for the medical industry development. Therefore, a teledoctor, in addition to essential universal and general professional skills, should have new eHealth technology competencies. Keywords: Professional competence, medical care, telemedicine, information technology, online consultations, professional activity, skills.