Transmission-Based Precautions
This eLearning course is designed to provide hospital staff with the skills to identify transmission-based illnesses and implement effective precautions, safeguarding the health of staff, patients, and visitors.
Audience: Medical staff such as doctors, nurses, and support staff
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Action Mapping, and Storyboarding
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Vyond, Figma, Mindmeister, and Google Docs
The Problem
The conceptual client, Premier Health Center, has experienced a recent surge in illness transmission within the hospital, resulting in staff shortages and prolonged patient stays. The infection control team traced the source of the outbreak and concluded that it could have been prevented if staff had adhered to appropriate precautionary measures while caring for patients. Upon further evaluation, it was revealed that Premier Health Center does not encounter a consistent flow of patients with transmission-based illnesses, leading to potential gaps in staff knowledge and preparedness.
The Solution
I proposed creating a job aid that lists common transmission-based illnesses, the corresponding precautions, and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). While this resource would serve as a valuable reference for hospital staff, it alone is unlikely to drive significant behavior change.
To address the root issue (staff lacking frequent exposure to transmission-based illness cases), I recommended developing an online, scenario-based learning module. Grounded in Social Learning Theory, this solution would immerse learners in a simulation where they experience the consequences of their decisions. This approach enhances retention and reinforces the knowledge gained, increasing the likelihood of meaningful behavioral change.
My Process
After selecting the eLearning solution, I collaborated with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to outline processes and procedures using action mapping. I then identified the key areas to address through eLearning and created a detailed, text-based storyboard. From there, I designed visuals and developed the course, refining each element through multiple iterations to ensure the final product effectively met the objectives.
Action Map
For this conceptual project, I consulted with an infection control nurse to gain insights and expertise. During our discussion, we explored common practices and strategies for controlling the spread of illness in a hospital setting. These insights are reflected in the action map, where tasks become increasingly specific as the map branches out, providing a clear framework for effective infection prevention.
An action map highlighting various strategies learners can adopt to reduce the spread of transmission-based illnesses.
Text-Based Storyboard
Collaborating with the infection control SME, we identified three key focus areas for the eLearning course. I then created a text-based storyboard that incorporates text, visual notes, and programming notes. Using the art of storytelling, I designed an interactive experience that highlights these focus areas. The storyboard features three questions—one for each focus area—each offering three possible answers, with one correct choice. Every choice leads to a unique path of consequences, reinforcing the concepts being tested. Additionally, a mentor character is included to guide learners toward the correct answers, aligning with Mayer's Personalization Principle to enhance engagement and understanding.
A storyboard screenshot showcasing the design and structure of an e-learning slide, highlighting instructional flow, visual elements, and interactive features.
Visual Mockups
The style guide for this project features subtle colors commonly associated with hospital settings, creating a professional and calming aesthetic. To ensure accessibility, I selected text and text box color combinations with sufficient contrast, adhering to WCAG guidelines for readability. Interactive elements, such as buttons and the mentor character, included hover states to clearly indicate their clickability, enhancing user navigation. Additionally, I chose clean, easy-to-read font styles that align with those typically used in hospitals and the medical field, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout the course.
A style guide outlining the visual and design standards for e-learning projects, including typography, color schemes, and layout guidelines.
Interactive Prototype
I used Articulate Storyline 360 and Vyond to design an interactive prototype, incorporating the colors, fonts, and other elements from the style guide. For the initial iteration, I developed all the slides up to the first question. This approach allowed me to gather feedback early in the process and make adjustments that could be seamlessly applied to the rest of the project.
An interactive prototype screenshot showcasing the learner's training flow, highlighting seamless navigation and engaging interactive elements.
Full Development
During the development phase, I created videos in Vyond and integrated all components into Articulate Storyline 360, complete with programming. As I assembled the content in Storyline, I identified opportunities to enhance the narrative by addressing gaps that previously relied on assumptions. To improve accessibility, I added next arrows to text boxes, allowing learners to control the pace at which they engage with the material.
A slide from an e-learning module showcasing instructional content, visual design, and interactive features tailored to enhance learner engagement.
Results and Takeaways
This project was invaluable in honing my instructional design skills, particularly in Articulate Storyline, Vyond, and Figma. Key takeaways include:
- Design Process: Throughout this project, I utilized the ADDIE model to systematically address the performance problem. By collaborating with a subject matter expert and employing action mapping, the project's design began to take shape. The design process advanced through detailed storyboarding and visual mockups, laying a strong foundation for the development phase. This groundwork streamlined course development, ensuring consistency and alignment with the project's goals. In a real-world scenario, I would have evaluated the project's effectiveness by analyzing trends in transmission rates among staff and patients to determine its impact.
- Action Mapping: Delving into Cathy Moore's book Map It significantly expanded my understanding of creating effective action maps to enhance learner engagement. Through action mapping, I learned to focus on pinpointing the root causes of performance gaps and designing targeted, practical interventions. This approach ensures that every learning activity directly supports the desired outcomes, eliminating unnecessary content and maximizing relevance for learners. By applying these principles, I gained valuable skills in developing training that is not only engaging but also impactful in driving measurable results.
- Working with SME: Collaborating with a subject matter expert provided valuable insights into the processes and procedures for preventing the spread of transmission-based illnesses. Their expertise was instrumental in identifying solutions to address deficiencies and reduce infection rates effectively.