HealthStream Rolls Out to Physicians
HealthStream, a Web-based educational management system that allows easier access to training, is now available to BWH physicians. First introduced to BWH nurses in January 2006, the system allows clinicians to complete mandatory education, competencies and optional courses online.
“This system is streamlined and allows us to assign and track educational competencies online,” said Michael Dumais, BSN, MEd, director of Educational Technology.
HealthStream courses are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the Internet. Employee demographics are fed directly into HealthStream and updated automatically each week. Clinicians can log on any time and access assigned courses and optional supplemental training. Educational sessions or programs may require reviewing on line material or attending a face-to-face session, as well as successful completion of a test or quiz to complete a competency or mandatory requirement. With the use of HealthStream, course completion data is archived so managers, supervisors, employees and educators can access and review the records. Starting this month, physicians will complete their annual mandatory requirements through HealthStream, including courses in topics such as HIPAA and fire safety training.
HealthStream can be utilized to provide a vast array of additional training to staff, to teach new procedures, introduce new equipment, or provide opportunities for CME. “With HMS as our CME certifier, any piece of education produced could be CME certified, provided it meets HMS guidelines,” Dumais said.
Currently, BWH physicians, physician assistants, pharmacy personnel, nurses and patient care assistants have access to HealthStream. Non-clinical employees will have access to HealthStream soon, as part of the third phase of roll out.
To access HealthStream, visit http://www.healthstream.com/hlc/partners
Mandatory education requirements are set by regulatory agencies, and as such, are a requirement for staff to complete annually, unless otherwise noted. Such required mandatory education for clinical staff includes the following topics:
BWH Abuse Competency Integrated Versions for Physicians
BWH Advance Directives
BWH Billing Compliance
BWH Electrical Safety
BWH External/Internal Disaster
BWH Fire Safety
BWH Hazard Communication
BWH HIPAA
BWH OSHA Infection Control
BWH Patient Care Assessment Program
BWH Professionalism (completion requirement is one time only)
BWH Tuberculosis
BWH Workplace Violence