While most organizations and businesses transitioned to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, direct care workers remained on the frontlines every single day.
Unlike many other professions, workers of intellectual and developmentally disabled (IDD) homes are not able to enjoy the luxury of hybrid or remote schedules, nor can they fully benefit from the virtual, remote, or asynchronous training options that have become popular.
While nearly all software companies in the healthcare and behavioral health sectors have transitioned to a remote model, PUPS Software stands apart by offering valuable on-site training to direct care workers at the group homes or facilities where they serve.
One of the best ways to improve quality care and patient outcomes in intellectual or developmentally disabled homes is to simplify documentation tasks through the implementation of efficient electronic health record software (EHR).
However, mastering new technologies is no easy feat.
In this article, we’re exploring why in-person, on-site training leads to faster EHR software adoption and how it benefits direct care workers of intellectual and developmentally disabled group homes.
The Challenges of EHR Software Adoption
What is EHR?
Electronic Health Record (EHR) softwares for direct support providers are systems designed to digitally manage and store patient health information in a secure and organized manner. They’re for direct support providers to access patient records like medical history, medications, allergies, lab results, and more, in a centralized digital system.
PUPS Software is a trusted EHR software that has been servicing direct support providers over the past 20 years. Learn why over 30+ Health Service Organizations nationwide choose us as their EHR software!
What Problems do EHR Softwares Solve?
Electronic Health Record software solves numerous problems for IDD group homes, foster care facilities, and other small group home settings that require 24/7 staff and 2-3 residents.
This software makes data more accessible by providing instant access to patient records. It minimizes human-errors associated with tedious and overbearing manual record-keeping.
EHR softwares essentially streamline the administrative process by reducing paperwork to free up more time for quality patient care. These are all amazing benefits, but sometimes the implementation and adoption of these systems can be a headache.
Complexity of EHR Systems
Most direct support providers in intellectual and developmentally disabled homes face at least one of these issues when adopting a new EHR software:
Training and Usability
EHR systems often require significant training for IDD staff due to their complexity. Navigating intricate interfaces and understanding system functionalities can be time-consuming and may ultimately affect workflow efficiency.
Data Migration
Converting paper records to digital formats is a tedious process prone to errors. It requires careful handling to ensure accurate transfer of patient information without compromising data integrity.
Technical Support
Ongoing technical support and system maintenance are necessary for smooth operation of EHR systems. Direct support providers depend on reliable support services to address issues promptly and minimize disruptions in group homes.
Direct support providers worry about two major problems in software implementation and adoption.
- First, the process can be so time-consuming and mentally taxing that it distracts workers from patient care, compromising the quality of service.
- Secondly, direct care workers altogether resist the adoption of new technologies and are forced to continue with impractical systems that hinder rather than help their work.
That’s why equipping your IDD staff with in-depth, comprehensive training is vital for ensuring the success of software adoption and furthermore, your small group home.
Read on to learn how in-person training can actually speed up faster EHR software adoption.
How does In-Person Training Lead to Faster EHR Software Adoption?
Let’s first clarify that “in-person” entails the EHR trainer and IDD staff member are at the same group home or facility. We refer to this as in-person, on site training.
In-person, on site software training directly resolves each of the challenges associated with software adoption. The face-to-face aspect allows EHR trainers to easily gauge the speed of the lesson according to the rate of comprehension. It also ensures that the technical process is seamless as any problems that arise through data migration are resolved by the EHR company.
Benefits of In-Person Training
Environmental Insights
In-person training allows the EHR trainer to observe the working environment firsthand. This enables the trainer to suggest practical improvements, such as the need for a mouse or a larger monitor, which can significantly improve the usability of the EHR system.
These small adjustments can make a substantial difference in the efficiency and comfort of the direct care workers as it’s equally important to have the right tools to perform their tasks effectively.
Immediate Feedback and Clarification
During in-person training sessions, IDD workers can ask questions and receive immediate feedback, clarifying doubts on the spot. This immediate interaction ensures that misunderstandings are promptly addressed and leads to a clearer understanding of the software.
Immediate feedback and clarification makes understanding complex softwares easier and quicker. With in-person, on site you don’t have to worry about internet connectivity, audio or microphone settings, or being interrupted by technological issues. Each training session can run more smoothly and predictably as directed by the EHR trainer.
In-person settings typically foster a higher level of engagement. The physical presence of an EHR trainer and peers reduces distractions and promotes a more focused learning environment that leads to better retention of information.
Hands-On Practice
One benefit of an in-person, on site EHR trainer is receiving direct guidance. This practical experience helps solidify learning and allows direct care staff to become more comfortable and proficient with the software.
This guided hands-on practice helps build group home workers’ confidence as they can practice and demonstrate their skills in a supportive environment. This increased confidence translates to a more effective and quicker adoption of the software in their daily tasks.
Essentially, the more hands-on practice each IDD staff member receives, the more likely they will retain their knowledge and be able to replicate it independently on their own time.
Encouragement of EHR Staff Collaboration
In-person EHR training sessions often involve group activities and collaborative tasks. This teamwork enhances learning and builds a sense of community and support among direct care staff.
By engaging in collaborative exercises and group discussions, staff can exchange insights, share experiences, and collectively problem-solve.
This not only encourages active participation but also cultivates a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among workers. Such interactive sessions not only make learning more enjoyable but also enhance retention as individuals learn from each other’s perspectives and contribute to a dynamic learning atmosphere.
These team-dynamic exercises are great for engaging everyone, putting knowledge into practice, and guaranteeing the group is learning at the same pace.
Conclusion
The challenges of EHR software adoption should never be a barrier for IDD workers to conduct quality care and uphold superior job performance.
Choosing the best electronic health record software is crucial for setting up your direct care workers to succeed.
At PUPS Software, we stand by this prioritizing our technical and customer support. Other EHR vendors can be unresponsive. With PUPS, when you need support or a custom request, you know you have someone to call.
We’re trusted by over 3000 human service workers as their #1 EHR system. If you’re interested in EHR software that makes the software adoption process a breeze, click the button below to learn more.