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Think Learning Delivers CSTF Interface to Over 20 NHS Trusts

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Think Learning, Totara Global Partner of the Year for 2023, is now over halfway in its mission to enable 50 NHS Trusts to automate the exchange of mandatory training data between their Totara LMS platforms and ESR (the NHS Oracle HR system).

Think Learning, Totara Global Partner of the Year for 2023, is now over halfway in its mission to enable 50 NHS Trusts to automate the exchange of mandatory training data between their Totara LMS platforms and ESR (the NHS Oracle HR system).

The Think Learning bi-directional ESR-Totara interface means that NHS employees have streamlined access to their Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) records when they move around and between NHS Trusts.

The CSTF comprises 11 core competencies that have been designed to cover minimum learning outcomes for all healthcare and clinical staff.

This work has been part-funded by NHS England in order to support their 'Enabling Staff Movements' mission.

Think Learning has created a CSTF interface that is used to transfer competency data to and from ESR. With challenges around data sharing across Trusts and even within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), the CSTF competencies allow NHS teams to be compliant with CQC standards, improve onboarding and save time during inductions to allow staff to be more effective, earlier.

The interface opens the gate to data exchange as follows.

ESR sends mandatory competency records to the client's LMS, based on each employee's competency profile.

These competencies are mapped in the LMS to courses or certifications.

Learners that complete courses and certifications in the LMS (which are mapped to the competencies) will have their competency profile in ESR automatically updated on completion, based on a nightly data exchange.

This means that Trusts have much better data, and they can easily push and pull data between Trusts as long as they are signed up to the National CSTF framework.

The benefits of moving your competency data in this way include:

  • Saved time and money thanks to reduced induction and onboarding processes as a result of being able to auto-transfer compliance data into your Think Learning LMS, for new starters from their previous Trust.
  • Better and quicker patient care as clinical staff are able to engage with them earlier
  • Reduced admin for L&D teams as records are automatically updated; from ESR competencies updating based on completions of training in the LMS, to sending employees to their next Trust with an up-to-date compliance record

As of June 2023, 32% of English NHS staff use Think's learning and performance platform.

The Think team are working with NHS England to support the switch to automate CSTF data flows, to allow for better learning experiences in healthcare. With a large dominance in the healthcare space, particularly the NHS, Think will be supporting clients to make the switch to encourage better compliance tracking.

You can learn more about Think's CSTF interface and how they've supported 20+ Trusts via their website. Or learn more about the Core Skills Training Framework