Updating Staff on New Technology/Education Opportunties
One of the biggest challenges in educating technologists in a large Radiology department, such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, is ensuring that all techs, including PRN staff, receive communication regarding classes, new techniques/imaging protocols and special announcements. I have found that not all clinical staff check e-mails on a regular basis, causing many to miss key information. At Children's, in addition to e-mail reminders, we also post flyers in break rooms, staff bathrooms and other staff common areas. In addition to flyers, education announcements are also made at staff meetings and daily staff updates. This global communication process has led to more participation in organized classes and improved compliance with new protocols.
Establishing a strict set of standard procedures required by staff is key from day one! Project Management / Implementation 101. Validate and document every step, process, iteration and / or activity related to job functions and make this available to staff on a scheduled basis. Not only will this serve as a reminder but will instill a set of standards across the board. This also leaves a much more valuable audit trail and allows for better process and infrastructural process management. Without an inventory of your education, protocols and information / infrastructure lifecycle management, there can never be a functionally and efficiently effective staff education and/or change management plan or process. You'll only find yourself constantly running to wherever the fire is.
Yours,
Alani Kuye,
President, Phantom Data Systems Inc.
Norwalk, Connecticut
http://www.phantomdatasystems.com