Adult Learning Principles and Peer Delivery Improve Satisfaction of Electronic Medical Record Onboarding Education

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Given the importance of onboarding education in ensuring the safety and efficiency of medical users in the electronic medical record (EMR), we re-designed our EMR curriculum to incorporate adult learning principles, informed and delivered by peers. We aimed to evaluate the impact of these changes based on their satisfaction with the training. Methods A single site pre- and post-observational study measured satisfaction scores (four questions) from junior doctors attending EMR onboarding education in 2018 (pre-implementation) compared with 2019 (post-implementation). An additional four questions were asked in the post-implementation survey. All questions employed a Likert scale (1–5) with an opportunity for free-text. Raw data were used to calculate averages, standard deviations and the student t-test was used to compare the two cohorts where applicable. Results There were a total of 98 respondents in 2018 (pre-implementation) and 119 in 2019 (post-implementation). Satisfaction increased from 3.8/5 to 4.5/5 (p < 0.0001) following implementation of a peer-delivered curriculum in line with adult learning practices. The highest-rated factors were being taught by other doctors (4.9/5) and doctors having the appropriate knowledge to deliver training (4.9/5). Ninety-two percent of junior doctors were motivated to engage in further EMR education and 90% felt classroom support was adequate. Conclusion EMR onboarding education for medical users is a critical ingredient to organizational safety and efficiency. An improvement in satisfaction ratings by junior doctors was demonstrated after significant re-design of the curriculum was informed and delivered by peers, in line with adult learning principles.