Underserved populations in rural and metro areas often face barriers to care, such as transportation, health literacy, and technology infrastructure. Community Health Workers (CHWs), trusted members of these communities, help bridge the gap by connecting people to healthcare services. A partnership between an academic nursing program and a community-based clinical partner, funded by a federal grant, delivers harm prevention and primary care via mobile outreach, staffed by CHWs and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). However, CHWs lacked confidence in using telehealth technology for virtual care sessions. To address this, a one-hour training was provided on telepresenting and using telehealth tools, resulting in improved confidence and perceived competency among the nine CHWs trained. This approach expands healthcare access in underserved areas, with future training potentially incorporating simulation to further enhance telepresenting skills.

Quyen Phan, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Associate Clinical Professor, Emory University; Kaycia Rhone, MBA, Project Manager, Emory University; Morjan Zare, Medical Director, Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition