Read and contribute to peers’ discussion in 150 words minimum each with credible references in APA style: 

Peer 1:

While electronic health records will improve physicians’ ability to use information for patient care, they will not alter existing privacy or security standards for patients’ health data. Providers are collaborating with other medical professionals, hospitals, and health insurance companies to figure out how to effectively exchange patient medical information. If the various computer systems engaged in patient care are configured to communicate with one another, then the information included in the EHR can be transferred to and used by other organizations. Information included in the medical record should not be released except as required by law or as expressly permitted by the patient (HHS, n.d.).  The constantly changing cybersecurity risks faced by healthcare industry can be better prepared for by having an up-to-date and effective employee training program. Therefore,  it is imperative to make it a top priority to instruct their health personnels in the appropriate procedures for maintaining privacy and data security. Training for staff members is an essential component in developing and putting into practice an applicable privacy and cybersecurity strategy (Snell, n.d.).

The one-on-one instruction is the method that is utilized most frequently. The employee initially learns by watching an illustration of the task, and then they learn by doing the task themselves (Latour, & Eichenwald, 2013). Training in the form of a workshop is provided over the period of one or more days, and it often consists of multiple sessions covering a variety of topics that are all connected to a central topic (Latour, & Eichenwald, 2013). Any form of education in which the use of a computer serves as the major vehicle for imparting knowledge is known as computer-based training. It is possible to provide a computer-based training course using a software program that is placed on a central server, via an intranet within a company or educational institution, or via the internet using Web-based training (TechTarget, 2011). Participants are given the opportunity to review previously covered content until they reach a level of competency that satisfies the requirements of their program.  Participants are able to work on a variety of subjects at their own pace (Latour, & Eichenwald, 2013). On-the-job training, often known as OJT, is the method of gaining new capabilities and skills necessary for a job while working in a working environment that is either identical to or very similar to the business environment in which the job will be performed. Given the nature of the position and the duties involved, on-the-job training might range from a few days to several weeks (Valamis, 2021).

Doctors have busy schedules and little free time, so they would benefit most from training that can be completed on their own time via the computer-based training. The flexibility of online learning would allow them to finish the courses at their own schedule without work interruptions. Similar to the difficult schedules faced by doctors, long shifts are a commonplace reality for nurses. They would benefit greatly from computer-based training. There will be no disruption to their busy schedules as they take the course at their chosen time. Included in the responsibility of Administrators in the healthcare industry is to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that pertains to patient care. Their obligations are wholly distinct from the doctors in every possible way. Administrators of healthcare facilities are in charge of the facility itself, in contrast to physicians, who are directly responsible for managing patients (WGU, n.d.) The most effective form of education for administrators would be an integration of computer-based training that they could complete at their own pace, along with one-on-one training from the HealthIT trainer. In doing so, they will have a thorough familiarity of the topic and learn apply them into practice competently and be able to mentor/coach or assist other staff as needed. A medical office staff has several responsibilities, some of which include updating the health and personal information of patients, EHR set up and maintenance, and organizing patient files (Betterteam, n.d.). The medical office staff training can also benefit from CBT this will give them a fundamental comprehension of the privacy and security. The office staff should also be provided an on-the-job training to show how privacy and security should be applied in practice.

References

Betterteam. (n.d.). Medical office specialist job description.

LaTour, K. M. & Eichenwald, S. (2013). Health Information Management: Concepts, Principles, and Practice, Fourth Edition.

Snell, E. (N.d.). Training employees to avoid healthcare data security threats. Health IT Security.

PEER 2:

Trainings are highly important in healthcare because the wellbeing, security, and safety of people is at stake. Staff must be properly trained on appropriate Electronic Health Records (EHR) usage, company policies, and privacy and security of health information. Trainings can improve employees’ ability to perform their job and make them better equipped to deliver better services (Collective Shift, 2019). Choosing the right method to conduct trainings is half the battle. When choosing a methodology, it is crucial to take the type of training and the audience into account. Other factors that will influence the selection of training are number of employees and their location, amount of space and equipment available, and special accommodations due to disabilities (Kathleen & Shirley, 2013).

Considering the factors above, I would select a couple different training methods to provide a 30-minute training on privacy and security of health information to all the staff in the organization. Due to the urgency of the training, seeing that it needs to be completed before staff can use the EHR, I would avoid doing one-to-one trainings altogether. Instead, I would choose a web/computer-based training for most of the staff so that they can complete it regardless of their location and schedule. Computer-based trainings present the material in creative ways, have knowledge checkpoints to test the knowledge retention, and have proven to reduce learning time by 50% on average (Kathleen & Eichenwald, 2013). I would use this method to train all the staff, except for doctors and administrators. For doctors and administrators, I would host live videoconferences to deliver the training, providing staff with a variety of time slots to sign up and attend in order to accommodate their schedules. Videoconferences allow employees in different locations to join at once while a presenter delivers the information (Kathleen & Eichenwald, 2013). Providing this type of training to doctors and administrators gives them an opportunity to engage, ask questions, and eliminate confusion. I feel that this training is more appropriate for doctors and administrators due to their discipline. Doctors must fully understand privacy and security of health information because of liability. At the same time, administrators must also have a good understanding because they need to be able to answer questions from their teams and enforce the policy. 

References:

Collective Shift. (2019, October 3). Importance of Staff Training in the Health Industry – Collective Shift.

Kathleen M. LaTour, & Shirley Eichenwald. (2013). Health Information Management: Concepts, Principles, and Practice, Fourth Edition: Vol. 4th ed. AHIMA Press.