environmental hygiene
By Linda Homan , RN , BSN , CIC
Leverage Principles of Adult Learning , Individual Learning Styles and Online Learning to Optimize Training on Environmental Hygiene in the OR
Training staff on environmental hygiene in the operating room has always been important and challenging . And the staff turnover brought on by COVID-19 makes this challenging task even more difficult . You may be dealing with record-high staffing shortages even as surgical volume increases , creating a constant need for on-boarding and refresher training .
This is a good time to ensure that your training is effective . There is an entire educational discipline dedicated to the principles of adult learning . Regardless of whether you are training clinicians or environmental services staff on environmental hygiene in the operating room , it pays to be aware of these principles , along with individual learning styles .
MS Knowles , a leading expert in adult education , outlined the following principles of adult learning . 1
Adult learners want to know why they should learn
We are more likely to put time and energy into learning if we know why it ’ s important . Make sure those that clean operating rooms understand the critical role they play in preventing patient infections . We also learn better if we understand the costs of not learning . “ What ’ s in it for me ?” Be sure to emphasize that learning this information will make their work easier and faster and that they will be recognized for completing the work well .
Adults need to take responsibility
Adults assume they oversee their own behavior and can make their own decisions . We expect to be treated as capable of taking on responsibility . However , once we enter a classroom , we may revert to their experience in school , where we were passive learners . To prevent this from happening , develop training methods that are outside the usual classroom passive learning setting . Online learning is a good example of this . It enables learners to take responsibility for their own learning .
Adults bring life experience to learning
For better or worse , adults come to the table with a wealth of personal experience and knowledge . Respect and value our experience but know how it tempers our learning . On the negative side , experience can lead to bias and presumption -- “ I already know how to do this .” On the positive side , information learned earlier can be adapted to new situations . For instance , for a new employee who has experience in environmental services in the hospitality industry , compare the purpose and methods in that setting to those in the operating room .
Adults want to learn when the need arises
Adults learn best when it is their choice . Know that some learners might not want to be there , while others are ready to learn . To the extent possible , allow choice and self-directed learning . Again , this can be accomplished with online , self-directed learning .
Adults are task-oriented We want our learning to be practical and problem-centered – a means to an end . Keep training focused on the tasks that are needed to do the work .
In addition to the differences between child and adult learners , each individual has a preferred learning style that is either visual , auditory , or kinesthetic . There are different ways of effectively teaching for each of these styles . Think about your own learning style as you read through these !
Visual learners learn by seeing . They like visual stimuli and picture themselves doing the task in their “ mind ’ s eye .” In a classroom setting this may look like they are into staring off into the distance . They may drift away when extensive listening is required . These learners need something to watch . Use visual aids like video clips and graphics to supplement text in online learning . For in person learning use demonstrations , slides , and flipcharts .
Auditory learners learn by listening . They learn by listening to audio and can repeat and follow verbal instructions . They also like to talk so they enjoy dialogues and music . To teach auditory learners , tell them what they are going to learn , teach them , then tell them what they have learned . Include auditory activities such as listening to stories or playing verbal games . In online learning , include voice-over as an option .
Kinesthetic learners learn by doing . They learn better when they can move and manipulate things . They will learn best from hands on experience . In a classroom setting , keep them engaged by using activities like return demonstration ( see one , do one , teach one ) and role play . In online learning , use gamification .
Everyone uses all three styles of learning , so try to incorporate variety in your training methods to keep people engaged .
Leveraging the principles of adult learning and individual learning styes will make your training more effective . Effective training provides a huge return on investment through increased patient safety , staff engagement and retention , regulatory compliance , and sustainable performance improvement .
You don ’ t need to do this alone . Good vendor partners will provide training that incorporates the principles of adult learning and individual learning styles , are delivered digitally , in multiple languages , and on any connected device . Look for vendor training modules that have built-in mechanisms to assess knowledge and document competence . Now more than ever , we need ways to provide quality training and education that can be delivered “ just in time , just in place , just enough , and just for me .”
Linda Homan , RN , BSN , CIC , is senior manager of clinical affairs for Ecolab .
References :
1 . Craig RL , ed . The ASTD Training and Development Handbook : a Guide to Human Resource Development . New York : McGraw-Hill , 1996 .
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • march 2022
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