Training Programs in Post-acute care settings including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers rely on a well-trained workforce to deliver high quality, person-centered services.
Strategies for More Effective Training
- Tailor Training by Role Customize content to specific job functions—clinical competencies for nurses and therapists, soft skills for aides, and administrative workflows for support staff.
- Use a Variety of Learning Modalities Blend hands-on workshops, microlearning modules, e-learning, simulations, and on-the-job coaching to accommodate different learning styles and reinforce retention.
- Provide Ongoing, Continuous Education Schedule refresher courses, self-directed learning resources, and just-in-time modules so staff stay current with evolving best practices, technology, and regulations.
- Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios Leverage case studies, role-play, and virtual reality experiences (e.g., dementia simulations) to bridge theory and practice, enhance critical thinking, and build empathy.
- Measure Training Effectiveness Use post-training assessments, learner feedback surveys, and key performance indicators (patient outcomes, error rates, staff turnover) to gauge impact and identify areas for improvement.
- Select Evidence-Based Programs Choose curricula and vendors grounded in peer-reviewed research and proven to improve post-acute care outcomes; involve clinical leaders in vetting content.
Additional Best Practices
Identify Training Needs
- Poll staff via surveys or shared-governance meetings to uncover skill gaps and high-priority topics.
Optimize Scheduling & Incentives
- Offer sessions outside peak care hours to minimize disruptions.
- Compensate staff for training time and provide continuing education credits to boost engagement and retention.
Design & Implementation Framework
Apply an ADDIE-inspired process:
- Assess organizational needs and learner profiles
- Define clear, measurable objectives tied to post-acute care challenges
- Develop content that reflects real-world workflows and patient scenarios
- Implement with interactive methods and user-friendly technology
- Evaluate using built-in feedback loops and performance metrics
Training Methods Comparison
| Method | Best Use Case | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor-Led Workshop | Hands-on skills (wound care, mobility) | Immediate feedback and peer learning |
| E-Learning Modules | Regulatory updates, policy reviews | Flexible, self-paced |
| Microlearning Clips | Quick refreshers, “just-in-time” tips | High accessibility on mobile devices |
| Simulation Exercises | Complex scenarios (code response, dementia) | Safe environment to practice critical skills |
| Case Study Discussions | Interdisciplinary teamwork and ethics | Fosters critical thinking and dialogue |
Measuring Impact & Continuous Improvement
- Track completion rates, assessment scores, and learner satisfaction surveys.
- Monitor patient-centered outcomes: readmission rates, falls, infection rates.
- Analyze staff retention and engagement trends before and after program launch.
- Refine content quarterly based on data insights and emerging best practices.
Benefits of Staff Training
Effective healthcare staff training has been shown to make a significant impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Facilities that provide high-quality staff training often see lower rates of turnover and burnout. In addition to boosting employee engagement and morale, these programs can also:
- Build trust among executives, bedside clinicians, and patients.
- Reduce recruitment and onboarding costs.
- Promote a healthy workplace culture.
- Boost regulatory compliance efforts.
- Improve patient safety and satisfaction.
REFERENCES
- Garzonis K, Mann E, Wyrzykowska A, Kanellakis P. Improving Patient Outcomes: Effectively Training Healthcare Staff in Psychological Practice Skills: A Mixed Systematic Literature Review. Eur J Psychol. 2015 Aug 20;11(3):535-56. doi: 10.5964/ejop.v11i3.923. PMID: 27247676; PMCID: PMC4873062.
- Newbould L, Samsi K, Wilberforce M. Developing effective workforce training to support the long-term care of older adults: A review of reviews. Health Soc Care Community. 2022 Nov;30(6):2202-2217. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13897. Epub 2022 Jul 5. PMID: 35791508; PMCID: PMC10084219.
- Aliza Inbari, Creating Effective Training Programs in Post-Acute Care on February 28, 2024, https://www.relias.com/blog/creating-effective-training-programs-in-post-acute-care
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