A leading manufacturer of medical devices was presented with the hefty challenge of updating/creating their Learning Portal to not only remain competitive in the marketplace but provide a more robust and rich ecosystem for their end-users, which included both their salesforce and Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) seeking Continued Education (CE).

KDG InterActive (KDG), a leader in supporting customized learning solutions for the healthcare and life sciences sectors, provided a turnkey solution that evolved from standalone learning microsites to a fully developed Learning Management System (LMS), all from the ground up.

We’ll explore the development of this learning platform, what makes it unique, and the solutions that it offers for those in the AHP audience.

Evolution of a learning platform and LMS

This project began as a collection of individual microsites – single online learning modules. As the number of courses grew, however, access became problematic with a host of URLs and a lack of interconnectivity between content. An LMS was thus created that pulled all the created content that offers CE credits into a structured framework. What you’ll see today is an intuitive landing page where all available courses can be accessed via a login. The LMS content is also updated frequently, which encourages AHPs to revisit the Learning Portal regularly. Additionally, a host of other resources are available for users to explore via the existing microsites, which is highly applicable to physicians and other end-users.

While this project initially focused on heart rhythm management, the expandability to several other business units (urology, cardiology, etc.) became applicable since the economies were pre-existing. The universality of the LMS allows it to be tailored to a broad range of applications.

Launched at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) conference, the goal was to get one thousand users to register by the end of the year; that goal was exceeded, with 1.4 thousand users currently and many users utilizing the LMS to take multiple courses.

Internally, the new LMS serves a dual purpose for the company:

  1. The salesforce gains the necessary “expert level” knowledge of the products and devices they represent by utilizing the product training courses available.
  2. The sales reps have a powerful resource to show clients. It’s not uncommon for the salesforce to have a group of AHPs in a room, showcasing the LMS with positive feedback. Many times they will perform an in-service utilizing a specific module and then have the AHPs access the LMS quiz to complete the training and receive their CE credits.

Making it unique

Customization was key to making this LMS fully interactive and functional for medical professionals. The visually appealing and user-friendly content is not only creative but purposeful. For example, all the available courses for AHPs to gain CE credits are easy to navigate, with credit hours listed clearly and a certificate of completion provided upon a successful conclusion. Course status along with badges are part of the clean interface as well.

Customization continues by meeting the numerous requirements presented with clinical trials. Auditing trail documentation is easily accessible via portal admins, and different clinical trial groups can be added with defined user access. Additionally, every completion certificate is recorded within the defined group and can be compiled for use in clinical trials (as required by the FDA).

Making it exceptional

What makes a highly effective, interactive, and immersive course within an LMS? It goes beyond simply repurposing stale content (PowerPoint slides, device instructions, and passive videos). Instead, the objective shifts to building a truly user-facing experience. KDG focuses on involving the learner in as much of a “hands-on” approach as possible. Here are a few of the elements that KDG utilizes:

  • 3D models – Developers were able to incorporate medical imaging (DICOM) into the LMS as 3D modeling, allowing step by step procedural instruction. 3D modeling also allows the exploration of product features and the ability for the user to interact with products or anatomical features onscreen. For example, a course on the proper use of the RotoProne bed (a rotating bed used to prevent bed sores) was created by an extensive photo-shoot of the device and then rendering the product into a fully interactive model. Within this specific course, the various components of the bed, their use, features, and applications can all be explored.
  • Gaming technology – Through the use of tactile controller feedbacks, the learning environment becomes an immersive learning experience. For example, by setting collision parameters which key off of something like hitting an arterial wall, a cutting edge immersive experience is introduced. This is at the doorstep of virtual and augmented reality technologies, which KDG continues to pioneer.
  • Medical illustrations – These aren’t the textbook drawings of the past decade, but rather a highly “clickable” exploration of the subject matter. The nuances of a procedure, an organ, or a product can be discovered at the user’s pace with visually stunning graphics, pop-ups, and additional resources to dive into.
  • Videos – By bringing in industry experts on specific topics, targeted videos are created to explain the subject matter in an interactive session. The specialist can demonstrate procedures, highlight product features, or explain complex issues.
  • Drag and drop functionality – The LMS moves beyond a text-based interface to allow the user to engage with the content. This promotes learning, retention and builds a highly professional experience. Users are no longer dreading a read and regurgitate lesson, but rather the opportunity to actually gain valuable knowledge they’ll apply in the real world.
  • Surgery simulations – One of the more advanced features of the LMS allows surgeons and physicians to engage in highly realistic simulations. From hearing-restoration procedures to the proper placement of catheters, the user learns by doing. This multi-sensory training experience prepares them to operate sensitive medical devices and perform challenging medical procedures, which is invaluable.
  • Diverse multi-media integrations – For example, by combining a series of illustrations and videos made specifically for a brand of feeding tube, experts were able to explain its use, application, and benefits. Combining various technologies into a single course is now the norm to create a rich learning environment.
  • Constant updates – To address the ever-evolving medical field, not only is new content frequently added ensuring re-visitation to the LMS, but the product and curriculum updates to existing content is managed in-house. This makes it possible to audit outdated content, but moreover to revise that content as opposed to scrapping entire courses.

These interactive approaches operate at various levels, from fundamentals to robust product training. One course may be a cursory review of the cardiovascular system, while another course may be an in-depth procedural simulation of proper stent placement. Regardless of the topic, this high level of interactivity enables learners to engage with the subject matter directly, which is what makes this LMS course offering truly exceptional.

The end result

By taking a “big picture” look at the client’s needs, KDG was able to expand and organize training content into a comprehensive and visually stunning Learning Management System. This portal evolved into a healthy learning environment for AHPs to not only gain CEs but for the salesforce to gain expert-level training and physician’s access to a vast library of valuable resources.