There has been an ongoing crisis in the direct care industry of high turnover rates near 50% over the past few years, but what if you could cut turnover rate, increase your profit margins, and provide a better working environment just by providing more training?
In Rowan University’s 2023 study, they discovered an underlying reason for high turnover rates.
The integration of EHRs (Electronic Health Record Softwares) that are supposed to assist your direct care staff actually may negatively impact them and exacerbate their problems.
But if your healthcare business can provide proper training when integrating a new EHR, then you can increase job satisfaction and cut your turnover rate.
We’re exploring whether virtual or on-site training is best for EHR software training. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of each and compare them to one other. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll be able to apply these to your healthcare business and reduce your turnover rate.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by DSPs
Underlying Reason for High Turnover Rates
One of the challenges that make the role of a direct support professional demanding is tedious documentation.
Aside from their regular responsibilities of helping residents get dressed, take their medication, and feed them, DSPs must also carefully document resident interactions, care provided, progress notes, incidents, and more.
The sheer volume and complexity of the required documentation can be overwhelming. Every piece of information must be accurate and thorough, which can be particularly challenging when managing multiple residents with diverse needs. This level of detail is necessary to provide high-quality care and meet legal and organizational requirements, but it often means that DSPs spend a significant portion of their workday on paperwork rather than direct care.
The problem becomes even more convoluted when you introduce a new software that DSPs have to learn during their day-to-day work. Although EHRs may help DSPs quickly and easily retrieve information like past records, medication histories, and care plans, DSPs must set aside extra time to learn how to use this software.
The Importance of Effective EHR Training
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Proper and effective training is crucial to ensure that DSPs can adapt to these changes smoothly and maximize the potential advantages of EHRs. Here’s how training can help.
1. Reduce Technological Anxiety
Many DSPs may feel overwhelmed by the transition from paper-based documentation to digital systems. Effective training can alleviate this anxiety by familiarizing them with the EHR interface and functionalities.
2. Enhancing Usability and Efficiency
Training helps DSPs learn how to navigate EHR systems efficiently. This includes understanding how to enter data accurately, retrieve information quickly, and use various features of the EHR software. Training for usability will help DSPs save time on documentation and focus more on direct client care.
3. Supporting Quality of Care
The goal of EHRs is to be a tool that streamlines documentation. Comprehensive EHR training is important to ensure that DSPs can use the EHR to its fullest potential, resulting in better documentation, improved care planning, and more informed decision-making.
Now let’s dive into the pros and cons of both kinds of training.
Pros and Cons of Virtual EHR Training
The Pros of Virtual Training
Flexibility and convenience: Virtual software training allows DSPs to access training materials and sessions from any location, at any time, provided they have an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for DSPs who have irregular schedules or multiple responsibilities.
Cost-efficiency and resource savings: Virtual training eliminates the need for physical classrooms, travel expenses, and accommodation costs. Often virtual training platforms provide reusable digital content, reducing the need for ongoing material costs.
Ability to learn at one’s own pace: Unlike on-site training, virtual software training allows for self-paced learning. DSPs can revisit training materials as needed to reinforce learning. There’s no need to feel rushed or pressure from a group.
The Cons of Virtual Training
Potential for disengagement: Without the physical presence of trainers, DSPs could more easily disengage and miss out on the benefits of spontaneous discussions.
Technological limitations: Virtual training implies that your direct care staff has access to steady Internet and devices. There could be technical difficulties like software glitches or bandwidth issues. These problems can disrupt the learning process and cause frustration.
Challenges in managing and retaining information: Distractions at home, lack of structured environments, and the impersonal nature of online learning can hinder concentration and memory retention.
Now here are some of the pros and cons of on-site training.
Pros and Cons of On-Site EHR Training
If you want to dive deeper into the problems on-site training solves, check out our blog
“Why In-Person Training Is a Catalyst for Faster EHR Software Adoption in IDD”.
The Pros of On-Site Training
Face-to-face interaction: The best on-site software training you can offer is face-to-face at the group home or facility where the direct care worker is providing service. Face-to-face interactions means DSPs can actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and receive immediate clarifications.
Immediate feedback from trainers: During on-site training sessions, trainers can offer real-time feedback and personalized support to DSPs. This immediate feedback helps learners correct mistakes promptly and reinforces correct practices.
Hands-on practice and real-time problem-solving: Training that happens on-site simulates real-world situations they might encounter on the job. Being able to practice skills in a controlled environment with guidance from trainers helps DSPs build confidence and competence to handle similar tasks independently.
The Cons of On-Site Software Training
Logistical challenges: Organizing these sessions requires careful planning and coordination. This can strain resources and budget. Logistical challenges include scheduling conflicts and transportation arrangements.
Limited flexibility and scheduling constraints: On-site software training is bound by fixed schedules and locations, offering little flexibility for DSPs who may have varying work hours and personal commitments. This rigidity can be a major drawback for those who cannot easily adjust their schedules to attend training sessions.
Is Virtual Training or On-Site Training Better for your Direct Care Staff?
The type of training best for your direct care staff ultimately depends on their needs. We recommend first assessing their learning styles, daily responsibilities, and existing challenges. Here are some of the needs your choice will hinge on.
Learning Style: Some DSPs might prefer the more interactive, hands-on approach of on-site training that allows for immediate feedback and real-time problem-solving. On the other hand, others might find virtual training more effective due to its flexibility and self-paced nature.
Work Schedules: Depending on coverage and time of shifts, on-site may not even be an option for your DSP. You must consult your trainer first to view their available working hours.
Technological Proficiency: The comfort level of your staff with technology is one of the most critical factors. Virtual training relies heavily on digital platforms whereas on-site training can be more accessible for those who prefer traditional, face-to-face learning environments. If your direct care staff is transitioning from pen and paper, we highly recommend you consider on-site training.
Conclusion
Both virtual and on-site training pose their own sets of pros and cons. The reality is that DSPs have different needs and comfort levels that should be considered to help them master new EHRs and softwares quickly. Asking your direct care staff which option they prefer is the quickest way to decide and will ultimately reinforce job satisfaction.
Your ability to increase job satisfaction by providing the right training will help your healthcare business increase profits, retain more staff, and provide a better working environment. It also demonstrates your commitment to their professional growth and well-being.
A well-trained staff leads to higher quality care and less errors. The choice between virtual and on-site training should be guided by a thorough understanding of your team’s dynamics, the specific challenges they face, and the nature of the tasks they perform.
Luckily, PUPS Software offers both virtual and on-site training giving you the flexibility to choose what’s best for your direct care staff. With PUPS Software, you can ensure your team is well-equipped to handle the demands of their roles.