A new system implementation is an exciting time for an organization; knowing how to properly operate and use it once it’s implemented is of the utmost importance. There are several different methods that can be used when developing an EMR Training Program. An increasingly popular choice is to utilize remote training.Before deciding to implement a remote training strategy, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. The HCI Group’s David Bell has taken part in several successful training projects and has first-hand knowledge of what to expect during a remote training project. In today’s post, he shares with us what to anticipate when it comes to remote EMR Training.
1) Web-Based Training as a Useful Tool
Web-based training, also known as WBT, is a tremendous tool that remote training has to offer. Through WBT, physicians are able to go through practice scenarios and take practice tests on what they learned. What makes WBT so great is that it can teach you click-by-click, in a workflow manner. So, in an ambulatory setting, the WBT will take you click-by-click through the process of associating a diagnosis with an order. This method gives you wording while it educates you and will educate you on various things, such as how to modify the diagnosis you associated to the order, often with great live video walking you through the solution. WBT is very useful in helping you retain the knowledge you have already learned, as well as the knowledge that you pick up in your practice scenarios.
2) Provider Informatics Can Be Hugely Beneficial
Another helpful aspect of remote EMR Training comes in the form of provider informatics. For instance, you might have the option to watch a video from an informatics provider that demonstrates workflow, functionality and optimization. Typically, providers learn more efficiently if they are hearing information coming from another provider who has experienced a similar situation while working with patients using the new EMR. If you have a doc who’s practicing inputting notes into the system, it will be beneficial for him to view a clip showing how to use shortcuts to lessen the time it takes to type up the notes. If you use the shortcuts to do your Physical Exam (PE) and your Review of Systems (ROS), you will save valuable time by taking advantage of provider informatics tools.
3) The Need to Market WBT
Unfortunately, organizations often fail to successfully market WBT . Informatics often forgets to remember to teach end users that WBT is a tool for them to be able to learn on their own, should they forget orders or forget how to place a diagnosis. There are videos available that can show the end users this; however, due to the fact that they are not marketed well, physicians may go through a whole training program without knowing that they are available. Letting your end users know that these informational videos are available is a very important step into continuing physician education.
4) Making Additional Training Materials Easily Accessible
Make sure that is easy to locate additional material that corresponds to remote EMR Training. For example, at the nurse’s desk, they should have an open booklet that shows screenshots of how to access WBT from the monitor that they are using. End users are often unaware of additional training materials that will walk them through processes step-by-step and help them gain further knowledge of the EMR.
Remote EMR Training has become increasingly popular as of late due to the fact that it is more easily accessible to people with complicated schedules and is often more cost effective. While remote training clearly has its advantages, you must pay special attention to ensure that it’s being used to its full advantage. By developing a good internal marketing plan for WBT and making sure training materials are easily accessible, remote EMR Training can be a very useful tool for your organization.
For more information on EMR training, make sure to check out our 18 Best Practices White Paper here. If you have any additional areas to consider when planning a remote EMR training program, please let us know by commenting below.