For those involved in training new users in clinical applications (any type).
We have traditionally trained the majority of our users who use our ePMA (MedChart) face to face (or remote face to face) as a hands on session, by a nurse or pharmacist. We get positive feedback about it being great having the trainer with clinical knowledge to answer all those extra questions that invariably come up.
Literature tells us that users, other that getting an understanding of how to use the system also want to know what the ‘gotchas’ are. ie what the system won’t do, what to look out for (for some this is more important than actually learning to use the system, however often need to demonstrate this for understanding)
In these times it can sometimes be a challenge to train groups (distancing) or having the resource available at the time needed to train.
I am aware some places may be doing training completely online which offers great flexibility for both users and trainers.
Looking for some feedback on different training setups and any positives/negative associated.
(eg video/online/face to face or combination of).
Great question Simon! After experiencing several unpleasant ‘training’ experiences (and the odd not-too-bad one) during my clinical journey, I’ve often wondered how it could be done better.
I’ve done a bit of a scan of the academic literature for some guidance - and there doesn’t seem to be much! But I did find this:
I can’t publish the full paper here due to copyright, but it should be available from most DHB / Uni libraries.
A personal note
What I would love personally would be to completely avoid ‘classroom’ style application training (which I forget 90% of immediately) and having a trainer by my side for the first couple of times I actually use a clinical software package in real life instead.
I’d then like to have ready access (e.g. virtually instant) to timely advice / help - especially for the first few weeks.
Both of course (tech and staffing permitting) could be done virtually.
You should find some good literature on ‘just in time training’ to further support your need for ‘at the elbow training’. I agree with you that learning to use software is better done ‘at the elbow’. @karenshaw has been running a successful programme in one of the DHBs that she could tell you about.
Feedback from our Nurse Educator (Clinical Application Support) from Canterbury DHB
Training historically has been completed in small face-to-face groups of no more than 8 participants. These sessions were run by a non-clinical trainer with the content approved by our Clinical Application Support Team (CAST). For nursing this is a 2-hour session (MedChart 1:40 and Patientrack 0:20). There were also eHealthLearn courses which were labeled as refreshers for both applications; worth 1-2 hour professional development time.
Since the Omicron outbreak, this has been reviewed and the decision to reduce face-to-face training was made. The solution put in place for the continuation of training was for the online training to be reviewed and refreshed. New users are now required to complete application training online, including completion of an electronic user agreement form, and may request a remote face to face training if required.
As we have only just transitioned to this practice it is a bit soon to see pitfalls. Although, since users are becoming more proficient with using electronic systems, we are considering this as a more permanent solution after COVID.