Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become an indispensable tool in various sectors, including healthcare. In the Australian context, where healthcare systems are governed by bodies like the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health, an LMS can play a pivotal role.
What is a Healthcare LMS?
A Healthcare Learning Management System (LMS) is a digital platform that facilitates the management, delivery, and measurement of healthcare training programs. It is designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare providers, including public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, and disability care services.
How can an LMS be used in healthcare?
Supporting Healthcare Worker Professional Development with an LMS
An LMS can be a powerful tool for healthcare worker training, competency assessment and continuing professional development or CPD. They can provide staff with a range of modules and courses that are aligned with healthcare compliance obligations, regulatory standards and general quality objectives. Healthcare workers can access these modules via the LMS to improve their skills, stay updated with the latest evidence base, and complete induction or ongoing annual recurring training.
Common Types of Training Modules in Healthcare LMS
| Type of Training | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Training | Often recurring (usually on an annual basis) training linked to legislative or OH&S requirements. |
| Induction | Training that needs to be completed before an employee can attend their first shift. |
| Competency Assessments | Formal evaluation of key (and often high risk) skills. |
| Continuing Professional Development | CPD is currently only required to be completed by Ahpra registered healthcare professionals. |
Supporting Healthcare Organisation Compliance with an LMS
An LMS can also assist healthcare organisations in maintaining compliance with various regulations such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality Standards or non-governmental accreditations such as the Rainbow Tick Certification. It can track and report on the completion of mandatory training, thereby ensuring that the organisation meets the standards set by regulatory bodies.
What are the Pros and Cons of LMSs in Healthcare?
The Benefits of Using an LMS in Healthcare
- Streamlined Training: An LMS can centralise all training materials, making it easier for healthcare workers to access and complete their training.
- Compliance Management: LMSs can help healthcare organisations maintain compliance with education obligations in the Australian healthcare regulations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Digital training modules can be more cost-effective than traditional training methods.
The Negatives of Using an LMS in Healthcare
- Technical Barriers: Not all healthcare workers may be comfortable with digital platforms.
- Initial Setup Cost: The initial investment in an LMS can be high.
- Limited Personal Interaction: Digital training may lack the personal touch of traditional methods.
What LMS Features to Look for in an LMS for Healthcare
Does it Meet Your Compliance Obligations?
Ensure that the LMS you choose is designed to meet the regulatory requirements of the Australian healthcare system, such as those set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission or the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health.
Does it Support Your Team of Healthcare Workers' with Professional Development?
Although this is not presently mandatory, it's likely that in the coming years the 640,000 Australian support workers and carers working across our disability and aged care sectors will get a mandatory CPD requirement. With this in mind, it's beneficial to look for LMSs that offer a wide range of modules aimed at healthcare worker training and professional development. This will help your team, and organisation, be ready to earn CPD!
Further Resources
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2021). National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. Sydney: ACSQHC.
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2020). Aged Care Quality Standards. Canberra: Australian Government.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2019). NDIS Practice Standards. Canberra: NDIS.
