Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching

Infection Control Today (04/25/25) Rathey, Allen; Smith, Malcolm

When training environmental services (EVS) workers, cognitive science and motor skills research from a number of fields, including healthcare and education, can be valuable. Rather than simply reading and re-reading course materials, students who are actively engaged with the content learn more effectively. Using a guided practice — one that is distributed and repeated over time — and a two-way show and tell (ST) process, the emphasis then is on action and interaction. With ST, EVS staff can help other healthcare workers learn, following the "teach once, learn twice" concept. With effective training in hygiene performance, the process shift to active and interactive modes from a more passive mode. For performance hygiene, a two-way ST video-recorded process or practice saved to the Learning Management System or Training Management System demonstrates that the instructor has taught and the learner has paid attention. To sustain learning, effort is required. The benefits to healthcare workers are numerous and include increased regulatory compliance; greater job satisfaction; career opportunities; credentialing and recognized achievement; greater healthcare worker skills, knowledge, and confidence; better patient care; fewer healthcare-associated infections; lower operational costs; greater employee retention; and more interdepartmental teamwork.

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