Are You Embracing Technology?

Welcome to what’s dubbed “the age of accelerations,” where technology is advancing faster than ever.

That means you’re likely challenged to keep up with—and train staff on—new technologies. To help, we asked the advice of two optical veterans:

→ Mario Gutierrez, O.D., at Vision Source Alamo Heights in San Antonio, TX

→ Mary Schmidt, ABOC, CPO, a training expert with EyeSystems in Pleasant Hill, CA

THE CHALLENGE

“Embracing change in the form of new technologies can be challenging for health care,” explains Schmidt. “Many people attracted to the field are focused on patient care, so introducing new technology is often met with resistance.”

THE SOLUTION

So, what should you do? “Focus on members of your team who enjoy challenges and learning,” says Schmidt. “Have them partner with the vendor in office or at an external location. These people become your specialists, and once you have them, you can begin internal training.”

THE PROCESS

» Think Ahead. Dr. Gutierrez shares that the process actually begins before delivery. “The vendor works with our staff, but it works best if they send basic information ahead of time so we can tell the ‘why’ behind our practice purchasing the new technology. That can be a basic PowerPoint presentation or video.

“This way, when the rep comes to train, staff has a basic understanding of what the instrument, for example, does and at least a working idea of how it works.”

» Make a List. Schmidt adds that “a written guide or checklist will help other staff learn the technology. Use multiple learning methods, the first being visual. Next, allow the trainees to observe ‘the specialist’ working with the technology and/or explaining it to a patient.”

» Practice Makes Perfect. “Provide time for practice,” she adds. “People who don’t embrace change are slower to absorb the information and will benefit from multiple training sessions. Repetition is what leads to retention.”

THE FORMATS

» It’s Just Lunch. “Introduce product technologies in a combination of quarterly lunch-and-learn sessions and monthly staff meetings...some by department, some full-staff,” suggests Schmidt. “These are great to give a foundation, reinforce existing knowledge, answer product- and technology-specific questions, and educate on new tech details.”

» Please Come Back. Dr. Gutierrez explains, “We also ask the vendor to return in a week or two—to go over other components of the equipment or instrument and answer new questions.”

The bottom line: Keep the flow of new technology coming. Today’s consumer expects it, and if you don’t invest in it, patients may find someone else who does.