Two leaders from the KU Health Education Center drew praise for their innovative work at a national conference last month. Kelly Sabol, program director for KU AHEC, and Nikki Cooper, program administrator, presented at a poster session during the 2025 Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions Conference, held January 8-11 in Orlando, Florida.

Sabol and Cooper shared their expertise and commitment to advancing continuing education (CE) through a project titled, JA Study Hall – Mirroring CE Program Planning in Team Development and Readiness. Their poster earned second place out of 50 posters—an impressive accomplishment highlighting their contributions to the field of continuing education in health care.

“It truly is an honor to receive national recognition,” Cooper said. “Our commitment to continuously developing our team remains strong, and we strive to leverage our collective strengths to enhance patient outcomes throughout the great state of Kansas.”

How JA Study Hall Works

Sabol and Cooper designed the JA Study Hall initiative to enhance team development and readiness by mirroring the same principles used in CE program planning. The structured approach ensures that education professionals involved in CE program development have the tools and understanding necessary to align their work with Joint Accreditation (JA) standards. The KU Medical Center Area Health Education Center and the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development earned JA accreditation in 2023 and continue to deliver top-quality educational programs for health care professionals in Kansas and beyond.

Key elements of Sabol and Cooper’s approach include:

• Mirroring CE Program Planning for Team Development: Applying CE program planning methodologies to team training ensures that all members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet accreditation standards.
• Needs Assessment: Conducting an initial evaluation among team members identifies gaps in knowledge and areas for improvement.
• Targeted Learning Sessions: Based on the needs assessment, develop tailored learning sessions using adult learning principles to ensure engagement and retention.
• Application of Knowledge: Participants apply what they’ve learned by revising a CE program planning document to ensure compliance with JA accreditation standards.
• Pre- and Post-Intervention Monitoring: Track progress and comprehension through structured interventions before, throughout, and after learning sessions.
• Hands-On Training: In-person sessions provide direct guidance on implementing the newly developed planning documents, as well as identifying areas for continued improvement.
• Enhanced Team Readiness and Understanding: The program significantly boosts comprehension of JA criteria among team members, ensuring seamless integration into CE program planning.
• Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement: By prioritizing ongoing learning and refinement, JA Study Hall encourages both internal growth and enhanced support for KU AHEC partners.

A Commitment to Excellence

“The JA Study Hall reflects the strength of the team and our commitment to continuous improvement within KU AHEC,” Sabol said. “By applying CE principles to team development, we are ensuring compliance with Joint Accreditation standards while also promoting a culture that values ongoing learning and process improvement.”

Sabol and Cooper’s presentation not only showcased their dedication to improving CE program development but also reinforced KU AHEC’s commitment to continuous learning and innovation within their own team. Their success at the Alliance Conference highlights the importance of structured team development in achieving accreditation excellence and fostering a culture of quality improvement. Their efforts continue to elevate KU AHEC’s role as a leader in health care continuing education and professional development.

Learn more about what KU AHEC can do for you!