Speakers
Description
Background
Orientation processes for new hires at VHA Home HealthCare were fragmented and inconsistent. This led to an overwhelming onboarding experience, unclear expectations, challenges in identifying roles and responsibilities, and lack of confidence when using digital health technologies to support care.
Aim
To design and implement a standardized, organization-wide orientation pathway that ensures consistency, clarity of roles, and alignment with clinical, operational, and technological requirements across disciplines. The goal is to improve staff readiness, enhance employee experience, and enhance delivery of care.
Methods
The RNAO Knowledge-to-Action Framework, along with the ADDIE (Assess, Develop, Design, Implement, Evaluate) instructional design framework, guided the assessment and implementation of a redesigned orientation program spanning 11 professions. A review of current practices and future-state process mapping informed the standardization of core orientation content, hands-on training of digital health technologies, e-learning modules, and process for ongoing oversight. This initiative is aligned with Recommendation 1.0 of the Clinical Practice in a Digital Health Environment BPG, which recommends hands-on digital health training for nurses and health providers. Implementation is underway, with formal evaluation planned.
Results
A key innovation of the standardized orientation program is the development of role-specific, hands-on training delivered by VHA’s Digital Solutions and Support team for nursing and health provider staff. Sessions incorporate interactive elements, hands-on training, and findings from the digital literacy survey to address individual learning needs and build digital confidence. Initial feedback from the steering committee and internal reviewers stated that the new content better aligns with adult learning principles.
Implications
The introduction of an enhanced orientation process provides staff with hands-on training to improve confidence and competence when using digital health technologies, thereby supporting workforce readiness and quality of care delivery.
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Rahma Khedr, R.N., MN, Professional Practice Leader for Personal Support and Nursing, VHA Home HealthCare, [email protected]
Candice Silver, BA (Kin), BSc (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.), Professional Practice Leader and Educator – Rehab, VHA Home HealthCare, [email protected]
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is your abstract related to?
RNAO Best Practice Guideline: Clinical Practice in a Digital Health Environment and RNAO Leading Change Toolkit
| Organization Name | VHA Home HealthCare |
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