b'| EDUCATION GUIDEProfessional Development inthe Digital AgeFactors to consider indigital delivery of continuingeducation and professionaldevelopmentBy Mark McGrawT he roots of digital learning trace backpotential for delivering in-person learningScience and Technology. as far as the early 19th century.to the healthcare professionals within your[This is particularly true] when consider-But technology-enabled learningsystem.ing online simulations, says Roche. Virtual really exploded in the mid-to-late 1990s,With this new reality in mind, expertsreality can be used very effectively to still corresponding with the rise of the Internet.weigh in on some of the benefits and draw- provide the right education that is needed.It didnt take long for employers to beginbacks of digital learning, and what health- The digital age also presents an opportu-relying on digital learning as a training tool,care systems and facilities can do tonity to find new ways to ensure that continu-delivering continuing education and pro- overcome the challenges associated withing education is linked directly to workforce fessional development to employees online.online learning, and deliver the best experi- development, upskilling, reskilling, and This includes the healthcare industry, ofence to healthcare professionals.other ways to advance experienced and new course, where providers must stay currenthealthcare professionals, he continues. with medical advances and regularly expandWEIGHING THE BENEFITS Obviously, one major benefit is that you their professional skills and expertise. InThe most important aspect to continuinghave an amazing opportunity to reach more fact, providers in many healthcare profes- education and professional development isemployees, and that is definitely an area to sions are required to fulfill a certain numberto ensure that whats taught is remembered,celebrate. As a former hospital administra-of continuing education credits to maintainand that skills are developed, says Ted Sun,tor, I often felt that in-person training and their licensure, certification, and credentials.PhD, president and chief innovations officercontinuing education had its limits due to Requirements aside, its just a good ideaat Transcontinental University.the size of classes, spaces, etc., but now we for healthcare professionals to keep up withThose developing the programs needhave an opportunity to innovate and think best practices in a field thats always evolv- to integrate real-life applications into thecreatively around opportunities that are ing. Digital learning is a great way to do that,learning process. Any topic being taughttruly vital to the workforce of the future offering the ability to share an unbelievablewould need to be [taught for] at least a fewwithin healthcare. wealth of online content and deliver a per- weeks, so that people have the accountabil- Around-the-clock access to learning sonalized experience based on employeesity structure to apply what theyve learned. resources offers flexibility and convenience as pace and ability, for example.Providing as much human connectionwell, says Julie Miller, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, a Since the onset of COVID-19, digitalas possible is crucial as well, adds Geoffreyclinical practice specialist with the American learning has been a necessity, with the coro- Roche, executive director of strategic health- Association of Critical Care Nurses. ISTOCKnavirus pandemic all but eliminating thecare initiatives at Harrisburg University ofFor example, materials are available when www.elitecme.com |2020| EDUCATION GUIDE 13'