Game-based learning is branching out. While digital and simulation-based learning aren’t new to the medical field, the patient involvement is.
For many years workers in various sectors of medicine have successfully used game-based learning and simulations as part of their training. It gives the trainees the opportunity to treat “patients” in a risk-free environment.
They can interact with their virtual patient, diagnose and treat them, all with the capability to assess their actions and make necessary adjustments along the way. It remains an effective learning tool, and patients can get in on the act too!
There are a plethora of games and apps that encourage patients to get moving in the right direction in terms of nutrition, obesity, and weight management. Game play is good for the internal motivation of the patients. They feel better about themselves when they are setting attainable goals and reaching them.
Adrian Hon is a former neuroscientist who developed a successful fitness game called Zombie Run! He has some specific ideas about some key factors that influence behavior in the context of gaming.
These are Hon’s characteristics that make corporate elearning and healthcare a fit:
- Having a clear goal. Having an objective to work toward is motivating. Participants are willing to stay within guidelines to reach their ultimate goal.
- Making rules. When a person can only work within specific guidelines, they are forced to be innovative with their solutions.
- Monitor progress. Reaching smaller goals along the way to the larger one encourages the player to keep going and gives them a sense that they can reach the objective.
- Willing participants. No one is forced to play, and those who choose to participate accept the rules.
These parameters are a good rule of thumb for game designers working in the healthcare industry. In turn, the learners that participate will be more readily prepared to take on the challenges of today.
Simulations are being used for training in the medical field, and patients are using games to motivate them to monitor their health more closely. But, one area of the health industry has been noticeably absent.
Pharmaceuticals have been a reluctant participant in the elearning boom, though they should take advantage of the competitive edge that it would provide them.
This largely unexplored area of healthcare elearning is just waiting to be tapped. Elearning corporations would be wise to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in the world of pharmaceuticals and digital learning.
Most industries, businesses, and workplaces of today can benefit from integrating elearning into their educational practices. It just makes sense for anyone who wishes to be competitive in today’s marketplace.
The benefits are far-reaching and take learning and comprehension of concepts to a deeper level than was possible with the one-way methods of the past.
Whether the learner is in a sales position or in the medical field, corporate elearning can provide a distinct advantage.
