EDER 603.

06 Program Planning Learning Task #3 Edward Brian MacAusland

Background
Radiation Therapy
technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades. Including:
Transition from x-ray film to digital capture and display Replacing external beam modifiers (blocks, wedges) with
integrated, computer-driven modifiers (E.g. Multi-leaf Collimation)

Program Essentials
Context
Diverse group of stakeholders, including staff from multiple departments, supervisors, and upper level management Local program must accommodate for the needs of multiple departments, and there is a push to standardize the program across clinics provincially. Negotiation of program needs will be complex

Progress to Date
Paperless
Committee formed in June 2012

Program Ideas
Upgrade in comprehensive patient software (ARIA) has both provided an opportunity to transition to electronic charting and produced an educational need for staff

Using Alberta Improvement Way (AIW)

as guide to overall program implementation
Logic Model Developed Stakeholder Analysis Resources and Funding Secured
Software, Equipment, Staff time

Replacing resource-intensive, custom, in-house patient

immobilization with standardized immobilization devices

Treatment planning and delivery continues to become more sophisticated and computer- dependent RT practice is increasingly digital and many clinics have moved toward electronic charting i.e. Paperless Our clinic is also transitioning to electronic charting, an important part of which is staff training Staff training expected to begin in Summer 2013, depending on Health Canada approval of software upgrades (expected September 2013)

New Software Testing Initiated December

2012

Health Canada approval for software

upgrades slated for September 2013

Program is currently being considered Program Objectives

Staff will acquire knowledge and develop new skills, establishing competency using electronic charting and communication methods Staff will build on current experience and knowledge of communication processes Staff will participate in identifying potential areas of improvement for both software use and updated communication processes All staff will be trained in new system prior to implementation in September 2013

for provincial adoption

Program Model
Caffarellas Interactive Model of Program Planning will be used to develop a staff training program:
Based on 7 Principles Includes 12 Components

Instructional Plan
Multiple short (approx. 1Hr each ) small group sessions: Presentation (content available prior via email), Computer-Based Practice, Discussion Simulation of new charting and communication using series of mock patients (Practice, Problem Solving)

Transfer-of-Learning
Follow-up sessions (small group) to discuss use of new system, answer questions, identify areas for improvement Assigned individual learning plans Optional follow-up sessions for small group or one-on-one instruction Email and face-to-face availability of facilitators

References
1. Alberta Improvement Way (n.d.). The AIW Method. Retrieved from http://insite.albertahealthservices.ca/2452.asp

Will use selected components of model Some components of the model are consistent with the AIW (Alberta Improvement Way) method employed to implement the overall transition from paper to paperless (E.g. Identifying stakeholders)

Evaluation
Satisfaction Surveys, Group Discussion

2. Caffarella, R. (2002). Planning programs for adult learners (2nd ed.). San Francisco (CA): Jossey-Bass.