The Problem
Our client sells medical imaging devices and associated systems to hospitals and imaging centers worldwide. One product, a Radiology Information System (RIS), manages patient information from order request through results distribution and billing. RIS is powerful but complex, with loads of functionality built in.
How can we get a wide range of users up-to-speed quickly, with minimal disruption when RIS goes live?
Prometheus Approach/Solution
Analysis Phase
- Needs Analysis identified many user groups, from receptionists to radiologists to billing clerks. Each group needs to learn about a particular set of functions, and has little need to know about any of the other functions available in the system.
- We conducted a Task Analysis that mapped every function available on the system, and matched the different user groups to the functions.
- Needs Analysis also told us that:
- These users have no time – or patience -- for long training sessions. They want to choose the system function they need, and learn to use it quickly.
- The opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit is a big motivator for many system users.
- It was given that the RIS user interface and the user training would eventually be localized for different countries and customers.
Design Phase
- We designed a curriculum of online mini-modules, tied to the tasks identified.
- We created a course map that guided users through the mini-modules, based on tasks they needed to perform.
- We designed an overview module that explained the high-level operation of the system, then showed how to use the map to select appropriate mini-modules.
- We designed the training to meet the CME accrediting body's requirements.
- We created a translation-and-localization plan, in coordination with our client’s localization specialists.
Development Phase
- Since we could use no "real" patient or Department data in the training, we created a training database for a fictitious Radiology Department.
- We developed each mini-module using Captivate software. The typical mini-module explained what a software function was used for, showed how to access it, demonstrated how to use it, and provided a practice exercise for the user.
- Also using Captivate, we developed an optional test for each task-area in the menu. Each task-area test covered all of the mini-modules related to that task. We also created an optional, comprehensive Certification Test for CME credit.
Formative Evaluation Phase
- We worked with our client to create a Trade Trial strategy for testing the curriculum and mini-modules with customers.
- Based on Trade Trial feedback, we made slight modifications to the modules.
Translation and Localization
- After acceptance of the final version of the curriculum, we worked with the client’s localization specialists to assure a smooth hand-off.
Special Skills/Software
- Instructional Design
- Training Database Creation
- Design for Localization
- Captivate Software
Result/Benefit to Client
Our client was proud to provide value-added training that showed off the tremendous advantages of their RIS, while easing the their customers' transition to the new system.
Customers and end-users enthusiastically embraced this approach to training. Busy medical professionals were glad to get ONLY the training they needed, when and where they needed it. They were so pleased with the training that they took the time to write emails to the Product Manager, thanking our client for getting both the product and the training right!
For more information about this project, please contact us.