Improving Training Motivation and Transfer in Hospitals: Extension of a Conceptual Model

The influence of learner characteristics, instructional design and work environment on the transfer of training

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the role of individual and instructional design factors on training transfer and explore and review focal training factors that influence the transfer of training.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework has been developed for this study to better present the prevalent factors that have been empirically validated.

Findings

The facets of transfer encompassed in this study have gathered enough evidence to demonstrate a positive association with the transfer. This review points out that all predictor variables (learner characteristics, instructional design and environmental factors) positively and significantly influence the transfer of training. A mix of variables is proposed, with further investigation recommended to develop a robust training transfer hypotheses.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the training transfer literature in three ways. First, the authors have shown the positive influence of pre-training factors on training transfer. This study is grounded in a robust theoretical framework, thus fulfilling the previous gaps. This conceptual study elaborates on the importance of factors to establish the training transfer hypothesis. Future studies should test the suggested framework and look for other things that could help learners be more effective and motivated so that training can be more effective and transferable.

Practical implications

This study has significant findings for organizations operating in the current business scenario to enhance learning transfer, where the transfer is very low and a significant cause of concern for every organization. By making management aware of the success factors of training transfer, they can ensure a better training transfer. In this study, the transfer design considerations are discussed in detail, and their practical consequences are provided for training transfer in general and training professionals in particular.

Originality/value

The training transfer literature showcases two significant gaps; first, it lacks appropriate characteristics, and second, there is variability in the results. This study bridges the gaps and attempts to advance our understanding of training transfer grounded in the theoretical framework by focusing on learner characteristics, instructional design and work environment in training transfer, which predictor variables can improve training transfer. This study also contributes to the current training transfer literature by proposing a combination of factors that provide a theoretical foundation for developing a solid training transfer theory.

Exploring perspectives on changing opioid prescribing practices: A qualitative study of community stakeholders in the HEALing Communities Study

BACKGROUND

Community-based perspectives are needed to more broadly inform policy-makers, public health practitioners, prescribers, and pharmacists about community-led and broader efforts to reduce opioid overprescribing, and ultimately reduce prescription opioid use disorder, overdoses and fatalities. The aim of this study is to explore community-based perspectives on efforts to change opioid prescribing practices in their communities.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 388 community stakeholders across four states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio) from November 2019 to January 2020 about community approaches and goals of community-led responses to the opioid crisis. Data analysis combined deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes and sub-themes related to improving opioid prescribing practices.

RESULTS

Three major themes and different subthemes were characterized: (1) acknowledging progress (i.e., healthcare providers being part of the solution, provider education, and prescription drug monitoring programs); (2) emergent challenges (i.e., physician nonadherence with safer opioid prescribing guidelines, difficulty identifying appropriate use of opioids, and concerns about accelerating the progression from opioid misuse to drug abuse); and (3) opportunities for change (i.e., educating patients about safer use and proper disposal of opioids, expanding prescriber and pharmacist education, changing unrealistic expectations around eliminating pain, expanding and increasing insurance coverage for alternative treatment options).

CONCLUSIONS

Community stakeholders appeared to support specific opportunities to reduce prescription opioid misuse and improve safer prescribing. The opportunities included culture change around pain expectations, awareness of safe disposal, additional provider education, and increased coverage and acceptability of non-opioid treatments.