Managers perceptions of a statewide elearning program for MBS training

Abstract

Purpose: An MBS eLearning program was developed to address training insufficiencies and improve standardisation of Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) assessment in the public health service of Queensland, Australia. The eLearning program contains theoretical and practical aspects of conducting, interpreting and reporting. Prior research demonstrated that clinicians who completed the program noted multiple benefits. The current study examined the perceptions of service managers who had trialed the program with staff. Method(s): Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 speech language pathology (SLP) service managers from 13 separate public hospital services. All had staff who had completed the MBS eLearning program in the past 6 months. Interview data was analysed using content analysis. An independent clinician cross checked the coding, and participant checking minimized bias. Result(s): Managers identified four key themes: (1) MBS training was enhanced through greater numbers of staff accessing the online program, (2) Fewer face-to-face resources were required to train novice clinicians and maintain MBS skill of experienced SLPs (3) The availability of standardized training facilitated a consistent approach to MBS service delivery, improving patient care, and (4) Comparable training across the state supported efficient workforce management, particularly transfer of staff between facilities. Conclusions (Including Clinical Relevance): The MBS eLearning program was perceived by SLP managers as: a means of accessible clinical training; enhancing workforce capacity and service efficiencies, and; supporting standardized delivery of MBS services.L6195587412017-12-12 <br />