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Dear
Kathy:
Online training represents on opportunity for healthcare organizations to solve an age-old problem, namely, how to train (and maintain training records for) a workforce -- efficiently and effectively -- in the midst of a variety of shifts, rotating and part-time staff, personnel turnovers, and the inability of many nurses and caregivers to attend in-services or formal classroom sessions. Properly deployed, online training can help a healthcare organization manage risk, instill competency, improve retention, reduce overall training costs, and enhance practical clinical skills.
There are a number of companies such as Healthstream offering proven delivery mechanisms for online training, plus testing and record-keeping capabilities. In fact, many equipment suppliers offer an array of online courses and curricula via these delivery channels. On the other hand, sometimes hospitals prefer to develop their own Learning Management Systems and course content. Whichever method you prefer, most experts believe that online training is the way of the future -- a logical means of optimizing staff training times, boosting retention, better satisfying daily work conditions, simplifying record-keeping, and enabling a greater number of staff members to complete assigned courses. It’s important to note, however, that online training is only part of the solution within healthcare education, particularly when it comes to equipment training. There needs to be a hands-on complement as well. For example, equipment oriented courses must be designed to allow participants the opportunity to study theory at their own pace while on line, then to participate in more clinically focused, instructor-led hands-on sessions once their Online course work has been completed.
What should you look for in a vendor? Testing and record-keeping capabilities are very important. Whichever vendor you select, you’ll want to integrate the best practices of distance learning (i.e., self-paced, online interaction, and feedback) with the best practices of classroom learning (i.e., hands-on experience, live demonstrations, and dynamic Q&As). We hope this helps.
Stay safe,
The Lift Doctor* |
