Training will also need some time to be perfected. An effective professional expansion will need enough time to conceptualize the new technology and put it to practice. Onsite support is an important component in effective healthcare training. The personnel will assist in problem identification when the technology is in use. Support from the administration should not be left out either. It helps the administration to master the firsthand use of the technology so that they can understand the problems users are experiencing (Jonas, Goldsteen & Goldsteen, 2007).
The training should be based on instant access to electronic patient records. This can be achieved by training the professional on how to use a centralized database. A centralized database can be accessed by all health professional and thus it can allow simultaneous retrieval of the patient’s data by the personnel who may need it. Eventually it becomes easy to use patient records, cost effective and more reusable. The training should be focused on the need for improving the use of Healthcare Information Technology to ease and facilitate integration between systems as well as replace the systems that have outlived their usefulness.
The training should also bring out clearly the collaborative approach to delivery and portray the best proficiency. This implies that, roles and responsibilities spelt out should be taken seriously. Effective training should show the health professional such as the nurses, physicians and pharmacists their responsibilities in different aspects of the technology and where they are specifically positioned. A structured program that focuses on effective utilization of the Health Information Technology among the health givers should be created.
Participation through training improves dedication and confidence and thus the end users can manage and control the technology. Karsh argues that training reduces anxiety and instills motivation to employees. For example, if a nurse and a pharmacist are involved in designing, training and implementation of a point of care barcode system, they will feel that the administration has trust in them. They therefore become committed to facilitate the use of Healthcare Information Technology.
During training, information should be delivered targeting all the perceptions that my hamper full utilization by the end users i. e. the health professionals. A clear channel of communication should be outlined. This will guide the end users to know whom to channel their problems and suggestions to. During training, the ideas of the end users should be appreciated thereby making them feel appreciated and trusted. This may help facilitate the training and adoption of the technology.
It is also very important to provide simulation programs and exercises where the health personnel can practice using the advanced technology. All the end users of Healthcare Information Technology should be encouraged to participate in all aspects pertaining to the utilization and implementation of this essential technology of healthcare industry. By so doing they will have power over it and this may encourage them to learn and use the technology. 4. 0 Conclusion In conclusion, Healthcare Information Technology is essential for all healthcare organizations.
Training professional in Health Information Technology is equally essential. This is because training helps ease the pressure when employing technologies which have the potential of reducing medical errors. The training will also aid in development of user friendly technologies. For instance when there is a system in place, people can find out its shortcomings as they use it and come up with ideas of modifying or improving it to make it user friendly. Training will also enable healthcare providers to do work better and accurately.
Health professionals being the major stakeholders and users of healthcare information technology, they should be trained effectively so that they can have the knowledge power to positively criticize the technology and give proposals for its enhancement. They should ensure that technologies which are developed are safe for the patients as well as the users themselves. Specific design principles should be followed that improve the designs and execution of health care technologies.
Having people responsible and answerable for approving implementation can also ensure safety. It is important to carefully observe implementation design ethics to save health organizations from shame of rejection by users (Mahmoud & Rice, 1998).
References:
HHS. gov, (n. d); Health Information Technology. Retrieved on 10th November 2008 from: http://www. hhs. gov/healthit/ Jcaho, McGreevey, M. & Joint Commission Resources, Inc, (2004); Using Technology to Improve Medication Safety. ISBN 0866889388, 9780866889384, Commission Resources