Benefits of ELearning for Healthcare Professionals
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things, including how we work and learn, interact as a society, and of course, the importance we place on good old TP. All jokes aside, professionals have begun to take a sudden new approach to industry-related training and learning. The good news? It may be for the best.
Online education has become widely accepted and sought after in recent years because of its convenience, effectiveness, and versatility.
It is projected to grow in popularity exponentially in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below we’ll examine some of the benefits this exciting education opportunity offers to professionals of all ages, education levels, and positions.
- Online learning is conducive to everyone’s needs
eLearning’s customizability makes it practical for every type of learner. Whether you prefer video, audio, webinars, textbooks, or worksheets, you will have the tools needed to learn long-lasting skills for supporting individuals with disabilities. According to the WHO, professionals “acquire knowledge and skills through online and offline eLearning as well as or better than they do through traditional teaching.”[1] Learning online is much more convenient for professionals seeking CEs and professional growth, making it easier to grasp and digest content. What’s not to love?!
- Content can be reviewed any number of times
Unlike traditional classroom teaching, online learning provides professionals the chance to access content an unlimited number of times. Healthcare professionals can turn to this wealth of knowledge when they have questions. Many professionals remember reading something about the topic but do not remember the details of it. Thanks to eLearning, they can find the answers they need within minutes.
- eLearning is convenient
We know you are busier than ever, juggling new regulations, best practices, and the needs of those you serve. The last thing we want to do is add more unmanageable tasks to your schedule. eLearning allows you to take courses whenever you have time (and energy!). Professionals who take courses on their own time gain valuable information that is better understood and retained.
- eLearning allows you to invest in yourself
By taking the initiative to gain new skills, certificates, and knowledge, you set yourself up for success in your current and future positions. eLearning allows you to stay up to date with healthcare’s latest developments, ensuring you remain competent in your field. Staying current is essential to protecting the people you serve, and it makes your job much more fulfilling and rewarding.
- eLearning improves quality of living for those we serve
Working in this industry has its challenges, but above all, we know you are committed to helping those you serve live their best lives. By staying educated and working to grow your skills, you will directly improve the quality of their life. eLearning courses focused on Person-Centered Practices (PCP) teach staff to prioritize the wants and needs of those we serve, not just what they believe is best for an individual. This helps individuals in retaining their autonomy while still receiving necessary supports. Staff who use PCP report feeling more accomplished with their work and closer to those they serve.
COVID-19 has caused professionals to shift their continuing education online rather than halt it altogether, and the benefits are evident. eLearning directly contributes to more successes for individual employees, the company, and above all, the people we serve. Individuals can grow their knowledge and skills at higher rates than ever because of eLearning with added convenience and versatility not available in a traditional classroom setting. eLearning is undoubtedly here to stay, and for a good reason.
[1] E-Learning as good as traditional training for health professionals: Where is the evidence? (2015, January 15). Retrieved June 17, 2020, from https://www.who.int/
Aspiration is usually listed as the most common cause of death in institutional settings, including nursing homes and large group care settings for people with IDD. Aspiration pneumonia is a common discharge diagnosis following hospitalization. It occurs when bits of food or liquids make their way into the windpipe instead of into the esophagus where it should be. Aspiration can occur during the swallowing process, but also occurs when stomach contents come back up the esophagus as a result of vomiting or gastroesophageal reflux. It often begins subtly and damages increasing portions of the lungs. Feeding tubes, which carry their own increased risks, are often utilized in an attempt to bypass the swallowing process and reduce aspiration episodes, but are not always entirely effective. Other factors which may lead to aspiration are poor body positioning, particularly in individuals who cannot control their own movements well, and behavioral issues related to eating. One of the most common signs of aspiration is a cough noted during eating or drinking or shortly thereafter. When a cough is noted under these conditions an evaluation should be initiated to look for possible aspiration.
Constipation and Bowel Obstruction are almost always at the top of the list of causes of illness and preventable death in people with IDD. One of the most important root causes of bowel obstruction is the use of multiple drugs with constipating side effects. Add to this the fact that most of us have dietary habits that contribute to the problem, chief among them, diets that are low in fiber and adequate fluids. Lack of mobility is a contributing factor to constipation, as well. We often see people on one or more medications to help improve elimination, but ironically, drugs intended to improve constipation often place the person at higher risk for impaired bowel function. Adequate active movement or exercise is also important to bowel function. Controlling these factors, along with training caretakers to recognize the signs and symptoms of bowel problems at the earliest moment can greatly reduce occurrences of illness or death from bowel obstruction.
Seizure deaths can occur from episodes of prolonged, uncontrolled seizures as well as something called SUDEP or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. For reasons that medical science has yet to explain, people who have epilepsy have a higher chance of dying suddenly unrelated to actual seizure activity. Drug toxicity and medication side effects can further impact the health and well-being of people who takethese medications, and the balance between adequately controlling someone’s seizures and the risk of adverse drug reactions must always be at the forefront of the treatment plan. Life expectancy for people with active seizure disorders has been shown to be up to 10 years less than those without epilepsy.
Dehydration is all too common and easily preventable in most cases. People who do not swallow well are particularly likely to refuse fluids or indicate fear when they get them, often resulting in dehydration. Dehydration is also likely when fluids are restricted in an attempt to prevent incontinence, not realizing that lack of fluids can contribute to constipation and increased seizure frequency, not to mention drug toxicity and other health problems. Awareness of fluid loss through sweating in warm and humid conditions or from loss due to vomiting or persistently elevated blood glucose levels in people with diabetes is important, as well. The presence of fever also increases a person’s fluid needs. Anyone supporting people with IDD should be aware of a person’s fluid requirements and work to ensure that they receive the necessary fluids to prevent dehydration.
Sepsis, sometimes called “the silent killer” is an ever-present threat to all. Sepsis is a condition which results from a significant infection in the bloodstream and the body’s response to that infection. Early signs of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and mental status changes. Some of these symptoms are common with may illnesses, but one’s index of suspicion should remain high for worsening signs of a serious infection and referral for a medical evaluation should be considered earlier rather than later. The risk of death increases significantly for each hour that passes when sepsis is left untreated. Remember, “When in doubt, send them out!”
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backing up of stomach contents, including acid, into the esophagus. GERD is frequently undiagnosed in many people, including those without disabilities, until major harm has been done to the bottom of the esophagus. Medications that cause constipation also contribute to GERD. Individuals who are overweight, particularly when they carry excess weight around the abdomen or wear clothing that is too tight have a higher risk of GERD. Ill-advised dietary choices, immobility and improper positioning also contribute greatly to the incidence of GERD. As this disorder continues without treatment, discreet or frank aspiration, life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal cancer become increasingly common. Recognizing signs of GERD, especially in people who do not communicate with words, is important to reduce the risks associated with this condition. People who exhibit food refusal, coughing when lying down, physical or verbal aggression particularly around meal times, or distress in the middle of the night may be telling you that they are experiencing GERD. Pica, a behavior where people eat things of non-nutritional value, may also be a sign of GERD and should prompt an evaluation.