Make computer-based training user-friendly

Consider the many facets of orienting staff to accepting new technology, namely, an electronic learning management system. One of health care’s greatest challenges is to provide the nursing workforce with necessary training regarding information technology (IT) implementation. In November 2001, nurse educators at the Methodist campus of Clarian Health Partners, Indianapolis, Ind., introduced its nurses to computer-based training (CBT) with the implementation of an intricate intravenous infusion device. The initial CBT was offered to the nurses at Methodist Hospital; subsequent training was presented to Clarian’s other two campuses (Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children). In addition to being tremendously different from what was currently used at Clarian Health, the device featured technology so new to the market that it wasn’t well known in the health care industry. Here, learn how educators implemented an electronic learning management system (ELMS), which enabled nurses to accept this new technology and adeptly use it to enhance patient safety. Electronic advantages CBT offers several distinct benefits to nursing facilities. Most notably, it provides managers and educators with an efficient means of training staff, regardless of the work environment’s complexity due to staffing shortages, differing shift hours, and dual employment. 1 It also enables nurses to come and go in the training programs, allowing them to resume at the point where they left off rather than restarting at the beginning. After evaluating its nursing population’s needs, Clarian chose CBT—namely, ELMS—as its medium for staff education, keeping in mind that, as bedside technology usage increases, all nursing staff, regardless of age, will need to become computer savvy. Interactive technology allows the most effective training for any generation by providing the opportunity to see, hear, and do. Clarian’s use of an ELMS enables it to provide consistent training to its affiliates and rural partners, while conserving resources and time spent in a paper tracking system. Via the hospital’s intranet, ELMS also helps bridge practice gaps between Clarian’s three disparate campuses, as well as provides and maintains records for multiple entities, such as end-users, managers, and educators. Implementation considerations As previously mentioned, Clarian introduced its ELMS with the implementation of a new infusion device. Staff members gained exposure through a Web page linked through the facility’s intranet, which was managed by an entity outside of the internal ELMS. To generate end-user interest and acceptance, educators involved staff members in the actual equipment selection. At a technology fair, staff reviewed the latest infusion advances and had the opportunity to compare features of various products. From there, several nursing units, representing the three hospital campuses, put the finalists through a trial run. Nurses from these units made the ultimate purchasing decision for organization-wide usage. Through fliers and the facility’s internal newsletter, all staff members became aware of the infusion device initiative, including a timeline of training dates. Promotional materials emphasized that Clarian facilities would be the first in the world to use this technology. The actual training program consisted of a computer-based, interactive session, followed by several opportunities for hands-on, instructor-led classes. Vendor support remained available during implementation and follow-up. Volunteers from nursing units served as “super-users,” providing ongoing support, not only during training but also after implementation; 10% of Clarian’s nurses volunteered their services. Key concepts for success Three elements ensure successful ELMS usage at Clarian: Equipment accessibility: Staff maintains ready access to technology and makes extensive efforts to ensure that devices currently in use function properly and that those required in the future meet all expectations. The facility placed the ELMS link on its intranet, enabling caregivers to access the infusion device-training program from the nurses’ station, the facility’s library, and their home computers. Ease of use: Designed with the novice user in mind, Clarian’s training program requires registration with ID and password. Every staff member receives an instructional packet with step-by-step directions on how to access and use the system. Emotional support: Nursing leadership and super-user dedication prove essential. Leadership’s involvement in troubleshooting and advocacy put staff members at ease and enable them to embrace the technology—essential elements for a successful rollout. 2 Encouragement and participation from super-users also help build confidence in the new system’s usage. Winning results Of 2000 nursing staff members, 93% completed CBT for the infusion device implementation within a 30-day period—a level of compliance that exceeded all expectations. Nurses are satisfied with ELMS and request its usage as a training tool in the future. The success of the infusion device CBT allowed the ease of ELMS implementation. Since initial implementation, Clarian educators have provided CBT as the lead educational medium in several additional updates/products, continuing in-service training, department orientation education, and the extensive rollout of a computerized clinical and management information system. In fact, educators used CBT as the primary training element in the implementation of a new procedure developed by one of the health system’s neurosurgeons. Using a digital camera and a staff nurse who demonstrated the procedure step-by-step, five nursing units and the nursing resource pool received CBT and hands-on training, resulting in a cost savings of $16,000. Based on these impressive results, Clarian educators believe that computer-based learning regarding IT implementation has earned a permanent place in the future of nursing education.