Preprint
Digit-WIL: Integrating an Exercise Science Telehealth Program to Build Professional Confidence
SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 33
Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series, Elsevier
08/10/2025
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Abstract
Telehealth uses tools such as video conferencing platforms or telephone to deliver healthcare remotely. Following a rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth remains a viable option for delivering numerous health services, including exercise. Despite its demonstrated value, practitioner and client barriers limit uptake for exercise-based interventions, including challenges with digital literacy and confidence in technology use. However, telehealth has been deemed an essential graduate outcome, with all accredited university exercise and sport programs now required to ensure students develop confidence and competence in telehealth use. This report explores the establishment and evaluation of a telehealth work-integrated learning (WIL) model in an exercise and sport degree, undertaken prior to pre-industry placement to support development of professional confidence and skillsets. Student confidence pre-and post-participation in a five-week telehealth program was evaluated across a range of professional attributes, using a Likert scale. Overall, students reported program participation benefitted their learning and improved professional confidence across skills including exercise delivery, giving and receiving peer feedback, and client engagement, also enhancing understanding of professional scope of practice. This program highlighted the importance of orientation processes and resources in maximising student engagement and experience, learnings transferable to WIL initiatives within and beyond health. Further, it presented an opportunity to enhance students' confidence in both giving and receiving feedback.
Details
- Title
- Digit-WIL: Integrating an Exercise Science Telehealth Program to Build Professional Confidence
- Creators
- Jena Buchan - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- SSRN, Vol.Series Paper No. 33
- Series
- Southern Cross University Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Research Paper Series
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013336290202368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Local Fields
- Original Research - SoLT