Healthcare professionals are under pressure to perform and
absorb vast amounts of new or changing information in increasing
volume. This surge has led to new and improved computer-based
tools for many healthcare activities and to an explosion in the
marketplace of tools used in instruction and education of
healthcare workers. This article explains the use of interactive
technology in healthcare and how this benefits instruction and
education of healthcare professionals.
Digital systems that capture images from documents, 35-mm
slides, physical samples or specimens, or virtually anything
that the camera lens can see, is found in interactive
technology. In healthcare, transmitting these images to
computers with simple devices or software that will allow the
display and integration of educational material into the
training environment is easily accommodated.
The method for delivering these images or documents, usually via
PowerPoint presentations, photography, videotape or audio
presentations can turn a standard Windows PC into a dynamic,
interactive, teaching tool. Depending on the type of training
environment needed, interactive presentations can be found in
the use of liquid crystal displays, large plasma displays, rear
projection systems or even whiteboards. Educators can now tailor
their courses to their audience?s expectations and needs using
any number of these presentation forms.
Effectiveness of interactive learning systems is largely
dependent upon the type or form of delivery used in combination
with software that is easily used by both novice and expert
users. Smaller systems will use a pen or stylus vs. a computer
and a mouse where larger systems may use elaborate
videoconferencing systems where many participants can be in the
virtual classroom at the same time. Many healthcare
organizations already utilize small and large types of
communication systems routinely in the delivery of quality,
high-tech healthcare to patients and their community. Adapting
this equipment or having it serve dual purposes is an easy and
cost-effective transition.
The era of the blackboards and chalk dust is now a memory for
most of us. Interactive technology tools permit the educator to
draw on, write on, and annotate data right on the screen as part
of their dynamic presentation. In addition, the educator can now
annotate their presentation and then save, print and even
distribute by email, the contents of the class session to all
participants.
The mobility that interactive technology gives the educator in
the virtual classroom lends itself to unlimited types of uses
and methods for delivery of high quality, interactive, sessions.
Participants, too, benefit from easy access to the sessions,
improved and more accurate note-taking that can be used later
for study and reference. This all leads to greater retention of
the learning objectives and enhanced or improved application in
the field once the participant returns to the office or
department.
Healthcare professionals should look for educators and learning
systems that combine ergonomics with interactive technologies
that integrate use the user of free text, annotation, images and
video clips with the traditional printed materials. Transitions
between screens or programs, linking to the Internet and class
sessions, downloading or printing of the course materials and
saving of files or information for future classes or reference
use should be easy and simple to use. The presentation and
delivery of the educational material should be efficient and
easy to use and tailored to use by both healthcare professionals
that have varying levels of technological skills.
Regardless of whether healthcare workers are new to the
workplace or seasoned professionals, the learning systems used
should assist them with learning new skills, procedures,
diagnostic techniques and terminology. Communication between
healthcare workers in both local and distant communities is on
the rise and the use of interactive technology enables the
participants to collaborate and share critical data and
information.
Interactive technology can also benefit the bottom line and
reduce costs formerly associated with travel or staffing and
resources to send workers to local, regional or national
meetings. Interactive presentations and systems can also attract
and hold the participants interest and attention, enhancing
their learning and retention gained from the course(s).
It is no wonder, then, that interactive technology has gained
such a strong and prominent position in the education of
healthcare workers. Healthcare workers looking for either
online, distance or local training should evaluate the
presentation and delivery systems used in order to maximize
their learning experience.
PUBLISHING RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article
electronically, in print, in your e-book or on your website,
free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link
are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not
changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be
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posted.
Copyright 2005, M. A. Webb. All Rights Reserved
About the author:
Michele has 20+ years experience in oncology healthcare,
including Cancer Registry management. You can learn more about
cutting-edge learning tools and opportunities by visiting her
blog (WeTrainU), Cancer Registry and online training site
(eStudy4U).
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