Connect Care Physician Training & Readiness
Effective training is one of the most powerful predictors of clinical information system (CIS) adoption. Training needs to reflect physician workflows, accommodate different learning styles and empower for personalization. The Connect Care physician training strategy serves these goals by having physicians train physicians, offering flexible pathways to competence and supporting different learning styles. The approach and process is explained in a short online presentation.
The Chief Medical Information Office (CMIO) portfolio includes the organization of training and launch supports for prescribers (physicians, trainees, nurse practitioners, clinical assistants, etc.).
Phases
Training occurs in phases. Basic training covers essential skills for logging on, navigating Hyperspace and using common functions safely. Personalization training teaches how to adapt the CIS environment for a more satisfying experience. Optimization training explores workflow improvement for productivity. Basic and personalization training occur pre-launch, while optimization training occurs post-launch.
Training also occurs in waves, with cohorts of prescribers moved through basic, personalization and optimization training at times that befit their anticipated launch date for Connect Care adoption. Training usually starts within the 6 months prior to a launch. Prescribers can anticipate their launch by checking when their clinic or facility is scheduled in the Connect Care launch sequence.
Delivery
Training blends self-directed (online), directed (classroom and virtual classroom) and experiential (case-based) delivery methods. All online activities occur through MyLearningLink (mylearninglink.ahs.ca), where physicians can find the track they are registered for and the associated competency assessment.
Competence
Basic training provides the knowledge needed to attain 80% or better on a simple competency assessment. This End User Proficiency Assessment (EUPA), plus InfoCare privacy training, is required to gain access to the production Connect Care environment.
Just-in-time and Supplemental Training
Prescribers may experience last-minute clinical reassignments to serve on COVID-19 inpatient units, or to free up other specialists by covering other units. Some are new to Connect Care and others encounter Connect Care modules (e.g., inpatient) that are new to them.
The following steps are followed for prescribers needing just-in-time basic or supplemental Connect Care training:
Zone Medical Affairs is informed of the clinical assignment, confirms that privileges are in place, clarifies training needs, provisions appropriate Connect Care access, and provides training instructions:
Calgary Zone: CAL.MedAffairsConnectCare@ahs.ca
Central Zone: CZMAprivileging@ahs.ca
Edmonton Zone: Edm.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca
North Zone: NZ.Privileging@ahs.ca
South Zone: SZ.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca
Alberta Precision Laboratories: APL.MedicalAffairs@albertaprecisionlabs.ca
The provider's name is added to a training list and an appropriate pathway is assigned for training and certification.
Providers new to Connect Care will be contacted by the Zone ACMIO team to arrange virtual training:
Calgary Zone: cmio.caz@ahs.ca
Central Zone: CZMAprivileging@ahs.ca
Edmonton Zone: cmio.ez@ahs.ca
North Zone: cmio.nz@ahs.ca
South Zone: SZ.MedicalAffairs@ahs.ca
Alberta Precision Laboratories: APL.MedicalAffairs@albertaprecisionlabs.ca
Prescribers who already have Connect Care training and need to cross-train in another track can access relevant Independent Learning on MyLearningLink by searching for "Independent". For example, those needing the inpatient track would:
Search using "Independent" under "Courses & Registration".
Look for "Epic-CMIO Inpatient Admitting Consulting Independent Learning".
Use the "Register" button to access the course.
Course elements can be completed at the user's pace and in multiple sittings.
Independent learning is currently available for most tracks. Further help with just-in-time training is available via help.cmio@ahs.ca.
Refresher Training
Some Connect Care users trained in the earliest waves, particularly those who only occasionally use the system, may find it beneficial to have some refresher training to ensure they continue to have a positive user experience. Users who sign up for refresher training can choose what to review via Independent Learning, or can repeat their basic and/or personalization training via Instructor Led Training.
What Physicians Need to Do
Be sure that MyLearningLink can be accessed wherever self-directed learning will occur.
Carefully heed MyLearningLink Tips for users of non-AHS devices (see below).
Complete MyLearningLink eLearnings for the assigned training track.
Prepare for use of videoconferencing if enrolled in virtual classes.
Be registered for and complete basic training (receive and respond to registration email).
Complete EUPA and confirm its acceptance.
Carefully follow Tips for installing Connect Care Mobile Apps and PowerMic Mobile.
Attend personalization training, gain access to full Connect Care and configure personal preferences.
Apply for Continuing Professional Development Credits.
Sections
Resources
There are many excellent resources that physicians can use to prepare for first use of the CIS. Other resources facilitate ongoing discovery of all the ways that the CIS can be shaped to personal preferences.