A Better Future for Learning in Healthcare

Neo, “Can you fly that thing?”? Trinity, “Not yet.? Operator.? Tank, I need a pilot program for a B-212 helicopter, hurry!...Let’s go!”

We may not be able to upload training into our brains (at least not yet), but this scene from The Matrix (1999) portrays the penultimate of training.? We do have some tools available today to get close to this instant gratification of both training and security:? Make training available at the point of need and in-context with our work.?

First, there is value in training entire workflows and seeing the big picture of not only how one’s own work processes tie together but also in the ability to see the upstream work and downstream work to ensure compliance in doing one’s own part for patient care or the business of healthcare.? That said, there is a huge opportunity to reinforce the longer training with in-context reinforcement through microlearning.? Microlearning is a short (definitely under an hour, preferably under 10 minutes), easy to remember, specific training on a work process.? The key to success is making that training available right when someone needs it without the need to go somewhere new to experience that training.? The benefits of this are empowerment, decreased frustration, reinforcement through relevance, and improved productivity.? Note that if someone needs to load up a browser and search for this training even if it short, you are missing the mark.? Ideally this training could be tied to gamification, employee productivity measurements, and ultimately to security.? For this last point, let’s picture the floor nurse who has just been assigned as a charge nurse for the first time today.? She/he does not have access to the management reports needed to manage the staffing acuity or clinical quality measures to ensure are being followed-up on.? But, there is button right on her/his normal dashboard that allows viewing a quick microlearning on this topic.? With the learning completed and a short competency passed, this nurse is now automatically provisioned (through RPA) with the new security to access the reports needed for this new role.? No calling for training, no needing to submit a ticket for security changes…simply the access and ability to efficiently and immediately being able to do her/his job.? It’s not quite an upload in the Matrix through the magic of cinema, but it’s feasible today and comes darned close.