Response to topic/ peer review

New System Training & Evaluation

Lisandra Auguste

New System Training & Evaluation

Before a new system is implemented the staff is made aware of what it is, how it works, the risks and benefits, and why it was chosen. Once that has been established the next phase is to train the staff on how to use it. This is usually done in large groups to cut down on the amount of time it takes to get everyone trained. The first step in the training is providing handouts that incorporates step by step processes of different commands. The handouts also provide a guide on specifics such as how to clear common error messages. Once the handout has been reviewed in brief the next step is the hands-on process. The hand-on process begins with teaching everyone how the system can be accessed either through a shortcut on the computers home screen or via the URL.  Next a training ID is given to all those in attendance to access the system. Once the information system has been accessed through the training ID the basics are then taught. One of the first things reviewed is the different tabs and what they are used to access. Entering a mock patient’s name is then used to go into a chart and provide insight on the section that the nurses will be using the most. This portion of the training is usually a Q&A segment where the nurses can ask specific questions regarding the system. In both my organizations I was assigned with a buddy where we were given specific tasks to evaluate out understanding of the system and how to navigate it.

Once the training portion is over there are three very important steps that are left. The first is an official quiz or exam that is used to test the effectiveness of the training and the knowledge obtained by the trainees. The next step is evaluating the instructor and how well they performed when training staff. The last step is evaluating the actual information systems with recommendations on how to improve it. Although it is now widely recognized that evaluation is important when considering new technologies, the reality is that it is still, more often than not, an afterthought as immediate implementation activities take priority (Cresswell, Bates, & Sheikh, 2013). In my opinion it would be ideal to bring two information systems being considered to the table and allow nurses to evaluate and then choose between the two. The efficient and effective use of a nursing information system depends to a great extent on the appropriate designs of these systems and how well they take the expectations and needs of nurses into consideration. A poorly designed nursing information systems can complicate the daily routines of nurses, possibly leading to problems related to the acceptance and use of these systems (Moghaddasi et al., 2017). While the initial launch of the information system does not take every staff member’s thoughts in to account, evaluating thy system for improvement is something that the nurses in both of my organizations have been a part of.