Effective training programs are developed in accordance to the needs of the target groups. A training plan will offer the guide on the way the users will be trained on the operation of the health information system. The plan will outline the procedures that will take place during the process. It is important to carry out the training to the users so that they can interact with the newly implemented system with ease. The training aims at identifying the weaknesses associated with the operation of the system and giving the users the confidence and courage to work confidently with the Electronic Health Records system. The programs will indicate an individual roles and responsibilities as people will learn what to do with the system.
Training plan
During the training, the participants must identify their roles and responsibilities in the new E.H.R system. Definition of roles and responsibilities will eliminate incidences of duplication of efforts in the daily routine. The intended participants should be given a chance to perform the expected function during the training process. Best strategies will bring a positive impact during the training, and the participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of digital systems. The data dictionaries and user-manuals will be provided since they will help the users to interact with the system in a friendly manner.
Identified training resources needed
The identified training resources will be important to help the system trainer to present the learning material, organize work groups and conduct plenary discussions. The training resources are very key in making the process a success. The hospital executives must provide finances that will purchase all the necessary materials to be used in the training process. The training resources include:
Overhead projection cells
The overhead projection cells are found on the CD-ROM in the user manual. The trainer has the responsibility of ensuring that he has copied the cells to transparencies. The trainers need to integrate the cells into a Power Point presentation. The trainers can also opt to copy the cells to transparencies and distribute them to the intended participants so that they can interact in the training session. The user manual is an effective material, and its influenced will contribute towards success in system operation.
Charts and Graphs
Charts and graphs will be used as instructional aids. A trainer will ensure that the participants are in a position to access the charts and graphs. It could be easier to present the graphs and charts in Power Point form when explaining to the participants. Instances where the trainers fail to project the graphs and charts, it will be unnecessary to explain to the participants without distributing the materials to them. It should be noted that, trainers must avoid complex and wordy sentences during presentations. The charts and graphs will demonstrate the real situations observed when using the system.
The participants will take part in discussions about presented case studies. The cases will be very effective in the training program. The intended participants will take part to analyze the real job situations and gain experience to handle real situations. They will understand the interoperability incorporated in the electronic health system. The case study summaries will also be effective in developing the minds of the participants, in a way, that they will be capable of offering solutions to problems encountered. The case study summaries will change the perception of many and allow them to view things in a different perspective.
Identified ways to train trainers
A successful way to train trainers is to provide the Trainer’s Manual Instructions. The top management must ensure that the trainers are provided with a Data dictionary, Manual for Data Users and a Manual for Data Providers. The manuals aim at guiding the trainers to implement the program in a clear manner. The trainers will develop effective skills to the data users and providers and provide them with the required knowledge to operate the system. The instructions on the manual will consist of teaching strategies that will be applied in the process. The selected trainers must have fully interacted with the system to identify the loopholes and the keys areas to emphasize on during the training program.
Training itself, along with training plans for the future and computer-assisted training
The training will be conducted as outlined in the training plan. During the training, the developed curriculum will include user needs and requirements. The participants will familiarize with the expected functions in the process. During the training, the outlined content must be taught to the participants in an effective way. The schedule will accommodate issues raised regarding the operations of the system. The challenges must be addressed to ensure that the process yields fruits and helps in the implementation process.
In the future, users will attend seminars and conventions on health system since technology continue to advance with time. The seminars will update the users with the latest technological advancements that will influence the present systems. In addition, they will be subjected to attend computer-assisted training that will improve their analysis and interpretation of health data. The computer-assisted training will teach the participants on how to operate the data analysis software like SPSS, EPI-info and STATA.
Completed a summary on system maintenance
System maintenance comes with numerous benefits. The IT personnel have a chance to upgrade the system and incorporate features that are more useful. Health system maintenance is also important as it highlights the performance of the system and offer solution that will help to advance the technology implemented. The failover options during maintenance help to boost the reliability of the system together with one –step patches.
In system maintenance, automation of health monitoring features will increase the performance and reliability of the system. The maintenance includes incorporating in-service upgrades, and health-monitoring automation to ensure the system is operational. The features intend to increase the speed of the system to improve on the effectiveness.
The maintenance will also involve installation of the antivirus software that will protect harmful attacks to the system and the health information. The antivirus protects the computers from malware that interrupts with the functioning of the system. Firewalls must be used to protect the system from threats. A computer firewall disallows the external attackers from accessing the system. The antivirus and firewalls will do away with vulnerabilities that undermine the operation of the system in the hospital. The server must also be maintained so ensure that the backups are secure and free from unauthorized access.
The computer system together with the software and hardware requires a huge amount of maintenance costs. The damaged hardware parts will be repaired or replaced to ensure that the routine is not interrupted. Increased workload in the future may create the need to conduct entire system architecture to include more hardware and software component to avoid overworking the current system. The electrical architecture can also be rewired to enhance the operation of the additional connected devices. The computers must be handled with care to avoid breakdown when functioning.
Starting with system planning to maintenance, the Naxvegas Hospital will greatly benefit from implementing electronic records system. At the end, the challenges will be addressed, as the users will take part in a training program to familiarize with the system. The security and confidentiality of health information will increase with the implementation of EMR systems. The success in implementation requires allocation of human and financial resources, commitment and hard work. As expounded above, the user training and system maintenance will help the hospital to develop a highly effective system that will benefit the target group. Maintenance will play an important role of upgrading the system to ensure that the system is effective and up to date.
References
Walker, J. M., Walker, J. M., Bieber, E. J., & Richards, F. (2005).Implementing an electronic health record system. London: Springer
British Columbia. (2010). Electronic health record implementation in British Columbia. Victoria, B.C: Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia
