Implementation of Audio Tour Technology as a Teaching/Learning Platform for Large Scale Training Programs

Bonczkowski, Leanna R.

Monday, 18 November 2013: 1:45 PM

Leanna R. Bonczkowski, MS, RN, CCRN
Department of Professional Development, Cadence Health, Winfeild, IL

Learning Objective 1: compare and contrast the implementation of traditional vs. non-traditional training methodologies.

Learning Objective 2: discuss the benefits of utilizing non-traditional learning methodologies.

In August of 2011, our institution opened a state of the art, adult inpatient bed pavilion. Prior to occupying the new space clinical, clerical, and ancillary staff members required orientation to unit layout, location of supplies, and life safety practices. The training timeline consisted of 15 days with a multidisciplinary target audience of over 2000 employees. With so many disciplines and staff members involved, the training methodology chosen needed to be flexible and adaptable to meet various education needs. After investigating current training options, it became clear that traditional methodologies such as e-learning and guided tours would not meet the needs of this large-scale training program.

This lead to investigation on non-traditional training options and the use of audio tour technology was selected as the training platform for this project. The use of this technology has proven to be beneficial by enhancing time efficiency, cost effectiveness, and staff satisfaction. Through implementation of the audio tour, the Department of Professional Development uncovered and estimated timesavings of 800 educator hours with an estimated soft cost savings of $41,000. In addition to time and cost savings, a post-training survey revealed staff satisfaction with the training methodology to be extremely positive with 96.9% of staff reporting the audio tour to be an effective means of providing an overview of the unit layout and 92.2% reporting enjoyment in using the audio tour as a learning platform.

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