Introduction
A shift to electronic recording from the familiar paper-based format can be challenging for employees. Practice shows that older adult healthcare learners are particularly exposed to emotional discomfort associated with the implementation of digital systems (Furlong, 2015). As such, the paper at hand aims to describe two tools that can help this group of learners to feel more comfortable while adapting to the EHR system.
Proposed Tools
Simulated EHR
Description
Simulated EHR curriculum is a convenient tool that allows learning to operate the EHR system through a virtual platform. As such, learners can create curriculums and use other EHR options in this simulated system. The system allows working with virtual patients in a real-life pace. The main benefit of this tool resides in the fact that trainers can track all the learners’ errors and perform a detailed revision of the mistakes.
As such, learners receive a chance to perform one and the same task several times until they finally learn to complete it flawlessly (Milano, Hardman, Plesiu, Rdesinski, & Biagioli, 2014). The use of this tool will require expert involvement so that they help to update input on which learners can train. Simulated EHR can ensure a smooth shift from virtual to real electronic recording.
The rationale for Using This Tool
It is assumed that the use of simulated EHR will help older adult healthcare learners to adapt to the shift to a new recording system. As such, older employees might experience concerns about failing to keep up with the learning pace of younger colleagues. From this perspective, the use of simulated EHR will enable them to choose a comfortable learning pace and repeat certain procedures as many times as necessary. Additionally, older employees tend to be afraid of making mistakes while working with electronic systems. Thus, it is believed that such a tool as a simulated EHR will eliminate this fear thanks to its virtual format. As such, employees will feel free to explore the options of the EHR without experiencing tension or anxiety (Milano et al., 2014).
Hands-On Exercises
Description
Hands-on exercises are a convenient tool that allows for an application of the acquired knowledge to practice. Thus, learners are welcomed to test their skills in the frame of a real-life environment. This tool is highly valuable from a psychological perspective. On the one hand, learners get emotionally prepared to make a shift from virtual to real programs. On the other hand, they still realize that they will receive essential support in case some challenges arise. As such, these exercises are a transition stage between education and practice. This tool can be used both at the training stage and as a part of the testing procedure (Bredfeldt, Awad, Joseph, & Snyder, 2013).
The rationale for Using This Tool
Research reveals that a hands-on training tool is the most valuable in terms of developing the skills essential for working with the EHR system. As such, Bredfeldt et al. (2013) note that, in the frame of their recent study, the major part of participants evaluated this learning tool as the most useful from a practical perspective. It is, therefore, assumed that the tool will be particularly useful for older adult learners to ensure a comfortable shift from using virtual simulated EHR to working with real electronic recording systems. The transition stage will help them to test their abilities in a relaxed, yet close to a real-life environment.
Reference List
Bredfeldt, C. E., Awad, E. B., Joseph, K., & Snyder, M. H. (2013). Training providers: beyond the basics of electronic health records. BMC Health Services Research, 13(1), 503-513.
Furlong, K. E. (2015). Learning to use an EHR: Nurses’ stories. Canadian Nurse. Web.
Milano, D. C. S., Hardman, D. J., Plesiu, A., Rdesinski, R. E., & Biagioli, F. E. (2014). Simulated Electronic Health Record (Sim-EHR) Curriculum: Teaching EHR skills and use of the EHR for disease management and prevention. Academic Medicine, 89(3), 399-403.