One-on-One Proficiency Training: an Evaluation of Satisfaction and Effectiveness using Clinical Information Systems

OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of a one-on-one training method for advanced proficiency in the use of clinical information systems (CIS) by clinicians (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) in a large HMO. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of 129 clinicians. MEASUREMENTS Satisfaction was measured using a multi-item satisfaction index. Perceived effectiveness of the training was measured by assessing self-reported improvements in efficiency in CIS. RESULTS Response rate of 80%. The one-on-one method was significantly preferred over any other teaching methods (p<.0001). Improvement in use of the electronic medical record was greatest following one-on-one training when compared to other CIS components. Major improvements (i.e., >3 on 5 point Likert scale) in use of the electronic medical record were reported by 61.4% of the clinicians. Overall satisfaction was significantly higher among women (p<.05). CONCLUSION The findings support the assumption that one-on-one training is of value to clinicians and that this training modality is valued above other methods.