Evaluation of virtual training delivery for health information systems implementation in Canada: A qualitative study

As health information systems (HIS) become a critical part of patient care, it is crucial to build an effective education strategy that facilitates the adoption and sustained use of these systems. The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023) has contributed to the rapid shift in virtual education and training for healthcare staff.

We sought to evaluate the efficacy and long-term sustainability of virtual training for using a HIS by examining opportunities and challenges.

An exploratory, multimethods study was conducted with staff who had taken part in a virtual HIS training program as part of the clinical transformation journey at a large academic health science center in Canada. The study was guided by the Accelerating the Learning Cycle framework. Data were collected through pre- and post-training surveys, as well as semi-structured interviews. An iterative, inductive, constant comparative analysis approach, outlined by Braun and Clarke, was taken to thematically analyse the data.

Of the 33 participants in this study, 13 were educational champions, and 20 were end-users. The pre- and post-training surveys yielded a total of 1479 responses in both groups. Three prominent themes emerged from this study: (1) fostering dynamic facilitation techniques to cultivate an inclusive culture and adapt to diverse learning needs; (2) integrating practical learning activities that contribute to knowledge retention; and (3) ensuring training resources are accessible and consistent for an optimal training experience.

As HIS continue to be part of the transformation of the healthcare ecosystem, education is vital in preparing healthcare providers to perform their clinical tasks and effectively use these technologies. Findings from this study can be used to inform the development of virtual training that is inclusive and addresses the needs of care providers.