Table 5.

OAA Recommendations for VA Sites Undergoing EHR Transitions

OAA Recommendations for VA

• HPT EHR access should be simultaneous with training and submitted on a rolling basis

• HPTs should not be required to complete instructor-led training

• The transition to computer-based training for all HPT roles should be completed, and all HPT training should be shortened and consolidated into a single course for each role

• The EHR training curriculum for HPTs should be formatted to allow hosting on the VA Train website outside the VA firewall. The legacy system CPRS/VistA training is currently hosted on that site

• Technological avenues available should be used to support asynchronous learning.

• The local VA Educational Office and Designated Education Officer (DEO) should be included in all deployment activities and Change Leadership Teams to ensure HPT issues are addressed

• When training curriculums are developed or modified, time constraints on HPTs should be considered, and ease of use should be prioritized

• These improvement recommendations and processes can inform both VA and non-VA systems’ transitions through the mechanism of robust at-the-elbow training

• Local coordinator positions should be created to to help mitigate training assignment and provisioning challenges; tracking individuals during the EHR provisioning process; and providing adequate support during go-live periods (especially for short-term rotations).