eLearning in the Healthcare Industry

You can find eLearning in every industry, from business corporations to the government to traditional education systems worldwide. It is only natural that various types of eLearning are utilized in the healthcare industry as well. In this article, we explore the benefits of incorporating eLearning into healthcare training. We also cover the best tools to utilize for healthcare eLearning creation. Read on to gain insight into how eLearning is shaping modern healthcare education.

Types of eLearning

Synchronous Learning (SL) and Asynchronous Learning (AL)
SL connects learners and trainers to the course simultaneously. In contrast, AL allows more flexibility with an on-your-own-time and at-your-own-pace learning style.

Collaborative Learning (CL) or Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)
CSCL encourages social learning and group collaboration on learning projects.

Linear Learning (LL) or Computer-Based Training (CBT)
LL and CBT are linear learning experiences used to teach static processes. Web-Based Training (WBT) also fits into this category.

Flipped-Classroom (FC)
In an FC, learners receive educational content outside of class and then use in-class time to discuss what they have learned.

eLearning Tools for Healthcare Training

Before reviewing the benefits of using eLearning in healthcare education, let's go over tools that companies use to grow their Learning and Development (L&D) culture, regardless of industry.

Webinars
A webinar is a form of SL, although you can use it asynchronously. Trainers and learners need to be online simultaneously due to this type of education delivery method’s interactive nature. Joining a webinar allows healthcare students and professionals to start discussions and ask questions in real-time.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Using an LMS is somewhat more complicated, but it pays dividends in the long run. An LMS benefits healthcare training by addressing a plethora of issues found when purchasing ready-made training courses. While ready-made eLearning courses come with certain benefits, for example, lower pricing, an LMS can be custom-tailored to your specific training needs.

Interactive Whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards, or SmartBoards, let trainers and learners alike write on the board. A SmartBoard can run software and training programs, save notes, give quizzes, capture feedback, and more.

Interactive Flat-Panel Displays Like the SmartBoard, an IFPD comes with touch-technology used for various types of presentations.

Virtual Classrooms Virtual classrooms utilize VR technology to let learners navigate and interact in an artificial world. Although pricier than other eLearning tools, VR can train healthcare students and professionals over anything from specific techniques to surgical procedures.

The Benefits of eLearning in Healthcare

Lower Training Costs
Using eLearning in your healthcare training initiatives is a smart long-term company investment. It eliminates traditional classroom-based program costs such as overhead, trainer fees, meal and coffee breaks, and employee travel allowances.

Compliance Training Tracking
One of the main benefits of incorporating eLearning into healthcare L&D is being able to track training results. You'll have access to data and feedback from learners that will determine which courses need to be restructured, modified, or cut.

Instant Feedback
This benefit appeals explicitly to users. Students will have instant feedback over how they are progressing in a course, along with graded marks. They can assess their knowledge and skill levels while addressing issues in real-time.

Varied Learning Delivery Styles
eLearning allows you to adjust content types and delivery methods to a specific learner or group. It can be delivered in a variety of media and caters to most styles of learning.

Enables Learn-on-Demand
Learning-on-demand and self-paced learning are just two eLearning facets that provide students training flexibility. They allow employees to go at their own pace, revisit the course until they master the content, and learn anytime, from anywhere.

More Effective than Traditional
Due to the wide variety of media and the aforementioned combined learning styles, eLearning is effective for learner knowledge and skill acquisition. The learner's brain captures information from various outputs and creates connections faster, allowing important concepts to pass into the long-term memory easily.

Examples of eLearning in Healthcare Training

One of the main ways to efficiently use eLearning in healthcare training is through compliance training modules. Healthcare compliance training is crucial because it limits human error and teaches learners how to react in certain situations.

For example, take CareSource's general compliance training that Designing Digitally developed. CareSource’s challenge included maintaining a set of directives to keep employees and regulating agencies in line with standard regulations.

The determined solution was to create an enjoyable, meaningful experience for compliance training learners through an interactive, scenario-based eLearning course. It incorporated branching scenarios that would allow employees to see the consequences of their decisions in real-time.

Conclusion

There are many ways to go about incorporating eLearning in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Whether you choose an interactive whiteboard or build your own customized LMS, there are eLearning professionals that can help you.

If you are interested in speaking with a team member about your employee training needs, contact us today.