Planning for Impact: Transfer of Training Audit

Transfer of training refers to the on-going application in the work setting of knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired via a training/PD (professional development) programme. However, lack of transfer is recognised as an important factor in the literature, for not only is it unproductive training for the individual and the employing organisation but vast amounts of money are being squandered. The strategic planning for transfer has been recognised as a means of overcoming this concern. In this paper, consideration will be given to the development of a transfer of training audit (TOTA) to assist training and PD facilitators to effectively develop a plan to promote transfer in professional settings. Consideration will be given to a range of elements that are related to the promotion of effective transfer planning including roles of key players, learner characteristics, programme delivery, learning context, implementation development, strategies choice, and evaluation processes. An evidence-based approach using research findings, clinical experience, and contextual considerations will be used to identify important factors associated with successful transfer of training. It is anticipated that the development of TOTA will be a formative process with modifications and additional ideas added over time.