INTRODUCTION
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems and physician offices have accelerated digital health solutions, putting telehealth front and center. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there was a “meteoric rise of telehealth during the pandemic.”
With telehealth rising, so does the need for proper training among medical staff to help address gaps in knowledge and equip them with the skills they need to become more comfortable and adept with technology.
Here are ways on how to set up digital literacy training for healthcare providers.
ASSESS DIGITAL LITERACY
In an earlier blog post, we mentioned that it is important to assess existing digital literacy skills and identify who needs training and in what areas. The primary way to do this is by creating tests to evaluate proficiencies on topics such as cybersecurity, communications and law.
The questions can be a combination of multiple-choice, true/false, open-ended and even simulations. The key is that each question must have right/wrong answers.
Another method is to create a survey that measures confidence levels. Per a study, you could ask, “How confident are you using clinical information systems such as XYZ?” Answers can range from “Not at all confident” to “Completely confident.”
Meanwhile, researchers at Anglia Ruskin University used multiple-choice answers such as “I need to collaborate with others on a project … I know that it is possible to use technology to help with this.”
Be sure to test the staff both before and after digital literacy training so that you can measure improvement.
HOW TO USE ASSESSMENT DATA
Now that you have done the initial assessment with your healthcare staff, it’s time to put the results to use. First, use the data you collected as a baseline measurement of the current digital skills. Then, use that to monitor progress, growth or any setbacks.
Begin constructing training materials in the areas your staff need additional assistance. One way is by creating an online class or a digital course using Lessonly or Udemy. A digital course can be a tool that staff can take to learn in detail new techniques and technologies. For example, courses could range from how to use artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices to blockchain electronic health records.
Make sure the course can be done quickly. Once the course is done, evaluate its effectiveness and modify accordingly. Ask yourself questions such as, “What were the goals of the training course?” “Were they met?” or “What were they unable to learn through the course or were they able to learn what they needed from the course?”