There is perhaps no other sector that would find eLearning more beneficial than the healthcare sector. This is not an exaggeration! Companies in this sector may be health care equipment and services providers or companies in pharmaceuticals, bio technology or life sciences industry. Organizations in this sector need to train their R&D personnel on stringent processes of manufacturing and testing. As these companies are bound by country specific regulations, they need to ensure that their employees adhere to Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) at every location. They need to train their sales personnel on products, code of conduct and selling skills. For all the above purposes, online learning solutions are a viable option.
Let’s see some of the key ways eLearning is useful in healthcare sector.
Helps in delivering consistent content
Healthcare and Pharma are highly regulated sector. Courses such as compliance training or GMP training need to be delivered in a consistent manner, across all the employees of organization, particularly if they are located in different geographical locations. E-learning ensures that the content which is delivered is uniform for all learners.
Makes it easy to update content
Some of the regulations may be relevant only to certain countries or locations. Federal laws, or regulations stipulated by governing bodies are periodically modified and the same need to be updated in the training programs. It is relatively easy to update eLearning courses with the new content and deploy them across employees on real-time basis.
Provides training on the move for sales representatives
Pharma sales reps need to keep in regular contact with physicians and build relationships with them on a continual basis. Sometimes, they may have to wait for hours before managing to get an appointment with a physician. It is a challenge for them to take time off the field and attend face to face training sessions. However, through eLearning, valuable industry information, patient care information, or product information can be easily shared as courses or modules which they can access from any location. Time waiting for physicians can be productively used through bite-sized learning modules. Based on the type of information, it can be hosted either on the company intranet, website or LMS. The ease of information access empowers the sales people, to update their knowledge, which in turn helps them gain a competitive edge.
Uses simulations and graphics to better demonstrate process or method
Demonstrating a process or method can be done by graphic representation in the form of animations. Such simulations are likely to have a better retention, than a verbal description of the process. Wrong usage of equipment that is the don’ts of a process, can be easily explained through simulations, without causing any damage to the equipment or individuals. Similarly, audio and video elements can be incorporated where ever essential, to enhance the quality of the learning.
Makes it easy to monitor and track assessments and course completions
Most of the regulatory or compliance courses are mandatory and need to be certified. Having eLearning courses on the organization’s learning portal ensures that the user completion rates are monitored and followed up on a regular basis. It helps the organization adhere to the mandatory rules and regulations of regulatory bodies.
There are other benefits of e-learning and I would like to know your experiences. How do you, as a health care provider, benefit from eLearning implementation in your organization? Do share your thoughts on the same.
