Tool
When to use it?
When not to use it?
Classroom Training
Education that requires hands on or interactive instructor led support for a large number of people. Good for content that could be difficult to process emotionally, needs the opportunity to debrief.
Education that delivers background content without interaction or critical thinking (lecture).
Online Web-based training
Content that is introductory or background knowledge needed to perform a task. Especially good when this kind of content needs to be delivered to a large group of people.
Education that requires hands on interaction or opportunity for debrief.
Conference Calls
Good for regional/national discussion type trainings and resource sharing.
Current system limits to 6 participants unless you go through Telecom.
Webinars
Can buy content that is available to other national players and participate in some discussion around key topics.
Tend to be instructor led lectures. Do allow for some interaction, but current systems don’t support very much audience participation.
Software Simulations
Good adjunct for hands on training and clinical experiences. Lets people practice in a safe environment.
As a substitute when hands on training is necessary. Does not give you the same kinds of muscle memory that a physical simulation does.
Classroom Simulations
Great way to learn clinical skills in a safe environment. Can be critical thinking based (case study) or hands on manikin based. Studies show that even the “watchers” gain skills in process.
When time is not spent to create robust case studies and scenarios, or when pre-packaged scenarios are not pediatric based. It takes a considerable amount of effort and people resources. Must take the time to build and plan.
Just in Time/ job aids
Good for real time re-enforcement of key issues and steps for a change or a process. Easy 24 hour access to updates and contents.
As the primary way to deliver training for anything complicated or new. Can be used as re-enforcement post training, but not instead of training. Communication is key for success; people need to know it’s there and where to find it.
Web page resources
Similar to Just in Time.
Similar to Just in Time
Preceptor/Mentor
Identified as most useful way to learn for new clinical staff. Critical for new staff satisfaction and success.
Must support the preceptor’s ability to take appropriate assignments to support learner needs. Must support preceptor with tools and resources to assure standard training.
Chat discussions
Potential for engaging staff 24/7 to answer questions and offer feedback.
Need a committed facilitator and staff access to the site.
Video training
Increased access to Grand Rounds content.
Still just a lecture.
Can supplement web-based training in a powerful way.
Must make sure that staff has access to earphones to access sound.
Brief introductions to topics or changes very helpful.
Must be well thought out and scripted. Should be less than 2 minutes.
Teaching sheets
Great for supporting staff in delivering patient/family education.
Are not stand-alone. Should be reviewed by staff member, key points highlighted and understanding checked.