Talking amongst peers at the Digital Health Re-Wired Event, the topic of conversation most frequently discussed was EPR system optimisation. From education to training, here’s 3 recommended steps you should consider taking for system optimisation.
More Than A New Piece Of Tech
We each have routines and systems – it’s how we keep some semblance of order to our lives. In fact, often without realising, we want things to stay the same.On the flip side therefore, it’s evident that we as humans resist change.
When we have something that disrupts our daily habits, we often find it difficult to adapt! After all, would you change the supermarket you shop at every week just because they’ve run out of your favourite snack? Or perhaps take a different route to work just for the sake of it? The answer is you probably wouldn’t! When we place this context, we see that the same is true for end-users whenever a new piece of tech is introduced!
Most likely, your current workforce are used to paper systems, filing, hand-written notes, physically transporting records. Getting people to kick the habit of their old ways requires answers visible from a broader perspective. Having your end-users on-board and engaged with changes to process is the only way to ensure your EPR doesn’t become a square peg in a round (paper-filled) hole.
People-First Approach To Digital Health
A people-first approach to system usability is the quickest route to greater return on investment. A people-first approach to digital health requires 3 core elements: education, training, and continued support.
Education
Planting the seed early let’s people know ahead of time that changes are underway. With education, timing is critical. Let people know too early, and without a clearly outlined change plan, and you could be faced with a whirlwind of misinformation that will be hard to dispel. Although, let people know too late, and you may find it difficult for people to buy-in to the technology you’re introducing.
Education is how you avoid these potential problems. Educating staff on the vision, the changes, and the benefits your new system will bring inevitably leads to a more seamless transition.
EPR Training
No sales pitch should be involved in the training phase! At this point, it’s not about selling the system but teaching people how to operate it.
Training on how to use the system empowers staff with the practical skills needed to begin integrating technology into their workflow. Essentially, training is about creating a new normal accessible to every type of system end-user. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you’ll see adoption rates skyrocket.It’ll soon be so commonplace, the technology will become an extension of your workforce–a tool they couldn’t imagine doing their job without.
Harnessing the potential of your IT systems is all about people. It has been proven time and time again that if your workforce are on-board with your EPR, the ripple effects are far reaching.Taking a people-first approach to tech through effective training not only delivering helps you deliver on investment & patient-care commitments.
Continued Support
Continued support shouldn’t be considered an optional add-on but an integral part to the post go-live process. Training alone can never cover every eventuality, and, in the initial stages of adoption it’s inevitable that questions arise that requires specialist support. Although you’ve passed the finish line of your implementation, continued training support is your ticket to consistent long-term success.
A Resource Strategy For Optimisation
…starts with training!
Before considering levelling up your system with all the shiny new bells and whistles, basic elements need to be met. Specialist training is how you can start to build in new practices, boost system end-user uptake, and generate productivity return on your tech investment.
Here are some options you may consider…
In-House
Before go-live, you should consider hiring contractors with specialist knowledge on your systems to train up your BAU team. Training up your BAU team ensures you have the permanent knowledge in place to help support system users at any time.
On-Site
Typically, classroom training on-site is delivered ahead of go-live through a series of workshops & sessions. Bringing in on-site trainers to deliver system training can either be a one-sized fits all approach or more of a tailored approach. A one-size fits all approach is designed to provide users with a broad overview of the system whereas a tailored approach to on-site training is designed with specific users in mind.
Pre-go-live training resource:
- Training Lead
- Training Manager
- Trainer (multiple)
Post go-live training resource:
- Floorwalkers
E-Learning
E-learning training can supplement and support every part of system on-boarding. Making learning accessible, e-learning training is designed to be flexible. Need training to be accessed remotely? Or perhaps your team need training support they can access at any time? E-learning is a great option and can help plug the gaps of the classroom training.
Supporting your Digital Health Journey
Whether it’s during the implementation stage or post go-live, there are an array of resource options available. Selecting which option is right for you is all about where you’re at, prioritising what you need, and finding a solution that best suits.
What we do here at IT Works Health is meet you where you’re at. Connecting experts, we make the resource process easy, all starting with an understanding of your people, your project, and your requirements. No matter where you are in your digital health journey, contact us today to get connected one of our experts!
