It’s no surprise care organizations want to get the greatest value from their health IT investments. And, in this era of value-based care, our industry is more focused than ever on outcomes. Prioritizing a robust learning strategy is essential to ensure end users are comfortable with the electronic health record (EHR), efficient in their workflows and spending as much time as possible caring for patients. In this blog, we’ll share five elements to consider as you work to develop a data-driven, end-to-end learning approach for your organization.
1. Structured and accessible content
On-demand content can help end users strengthen their confidence and optimize their experience within the EHR. Furthermore, repeatable, role-based content ensures users can learn at their own pace and return to the trainings as often as needed.
For learning managers, on-demand education means they can concentrate on the human side of the learning equation: understanding WHAT additional support caregivers and staff need and HOW to improve user experience, rather than WHAT to teach.
The web-based Cerner Learning Framework provides a strategic foundation at no cost to clients. Project teams and end users can have access to efficient learning journeys, practice simulations, performance-based competency assessments, hands-on scenario-based learning labs, job aids and more.
2. At-the-elbow coaching
Customization often helps users move to the next level of adoption. This works best when experts are available to provide at-the-elbow support to customize system views, order sets and other preferences while still maintaining a uniform and consistent approach across the enterprise.
Utilization metrics offer insights into how individual users interact with the EHR. Prior to at-the-elbow coaching sessions, an expert should review the user’s utilization metrics to identify opportunities for workflow improvements. Being able to identify and solve any adoption or efficiency issues before problems escalate is another benefit of timely and effective coaching.
3. Real-time support
At times, users might need a quick refresher on a step or task in the system. A real-time support tool within the EHR can quickly address questions, reinforce the optimal workflow and help prevent inefficiencies that could potentially lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.
Real-time support tools are customizable and provide administrative reporting to track how effectively users are navigating the EHR. Based on these insights, real-time support tools can proactively recommend learning modules to help users improve competencies and comfort within the EHR.
4. Data-driven optimization for end users
Data visualized through dashboards can support optimization by measuring provider readiness at go live. The visualizations can also be used to monitor system use post-go live. User experience data can be analyzed to identify those who would benefit from additional support. System experts review the data, observe how a user is interacting with the system and then make recommendations to optimize workflows. Visualized data can help identify users who are struggling and deploy training, allowing time for intervention before inefficiencies escalate.
5. Ongoing learning
As workflows and technology evolve, so do the needs of users. Continuous learning is vital in helping users grow and adapt their skills and knowledge. A plan for sustained education and certification is crucial to an organization’s ability to have an optimal EHR experience and respond to changes. Though sustained education will be different for each organization, the outcome should be the same - users have access to comprehensive education resources they need to perform. Organizations should have ongoing learning plans – including on-demand education content - for all users, including:
- Caregivers
- IT specialists
- New hires
Dynamic learning strategies are a vital part of getting the most out of your health IT and improving outcomes. Incorporating these five elements can help your care organizations develop a contemporary, consistent and comprehensive framework to training and adoption.
Register for our upcoming webinar to hear more about data-driven learning, coaching and adoption.
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