Learning Systems & Technology at Novant Health

Derrick Rodgers

As a healthcare learning technology leader and a final year doctoral student focusing on strategic leadership, I find myself continuously applying hindsight, insight, and foresight in my role overseeing the development of learning technology professionals and strategies. The power of these cognitive tools lies in their ability to help me reflect on the transformative influence of learning technology in previous sectors I've been involved with, while also contemplating its potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry in the coming decade. I've chosen to share my thoughts on the potential impact of learning technologies in healthcare, encapsulated in the acronym IMAGINE, which stands for Immersive realities, Mobile-Micro-Learning-Modules, AI and adaptive pathways, Gamification, Interactive Video, Networking hubs, and Elastic Ethically driven Education. These areas, I believe, have the potential to significantly shape the future of healthcare.

Embracing the acronym IMAGINE, let's explore the future of learning technologies in healthcare:

• I: Immersive Realities - Picture healthcare professionals mastering complex procedures through the lens of Virtual and Augmented Reality. These platforms transcend beyond gaming, acting as training arenas where actions take on real consequences, yet without any peril to real patients.

• M: Mobile Micro-Learning Modules - In a field where time is of essence, micro-modules deliver swift, impactful instruction that can be accessed amid patient consultations or during work hours.

• A: Adaptive Pathways with Artificial Intelligence - AI and Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) are not mere add-ons. They tailor the learning journey, fine-tuning in accordance to the learners' progress and immediate requirements. By analyzing learner data in real-time, they forge a learning pathway specific to the individual, yielding efficient and targeted learning experiences.

"The future is not reserved for the faint-hearted; it is the playground of those bold enough to envision and shape a new era."

• G: Gamification - The use of gamification enhances learning by leveraging our intrinsic affection for competition and rewards, transforming the learning process into an engaging pursuit.

• I: Interactive Video - Interactive video platforms expedite feedback loops. The process is simple - you perform, you learn, and you enhance, all in an instantaneous context.

• N: Networking Hubs - Healthcare transcends geographical boundaries. Virtual collaboration spaces serve as global platforms, facilitating the sharing, scrutiny, and enhancement of best practices.

• E: Elastic Ethically-driven Education - Imagine a boundless realm of eLearning that employs AI-driven personalization, real-time performance analytics, and real-world scenarios to connect healthcare professionals to contextual learning experiences. This digital eLearning platform, addressing key ethical dilemmas of the coming decade, will play a crucial role in grooming a multi-generational healthcare workforce.

Do me a favor take a moment and see the IMAGE of the 2023-33 IMAGINE-era of healthcare. See the Immersive Realities that will usher in a new wave of surgical precision, enabling healthcare professionals to practice complex procedures virtually before ever touching a patient. See the contextual Mobile Micro-Learning Modules that will empower medical personnel with on-demand knowledge, enhancing their ability to provide rapid, informed care. I hope you can visualize how the introduction of AI and Adaptive Pathways in learning development will revolutionize personalized learning with relevant privacy-protected analytical analysis leveraged by adaptive learning platforms to guide professionals through new treatments and strategies.

Gamification will make the road to mastery more engaging, encouraging continuous learning among medical staff. Interactive Video learning will allow immediate hands-on experience and instant feedback, accelerating the learning process. See the collaborative gatherings associated with various learning Networking Hubs will enable global collaboration, leading to faster advancement in medical research and patient care practices. Lastly, Elastic Ethically-driven Education will shape a new generation of healthcare professionals who are not only skilled but also sensitive to the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

In conclusion, we find ourselves at the dawn of a digital rebirth within healthcare learning, where the IMAGINE framework is more than a mere set of tools—it's a provocative vision. It calls upon each healthcare leader and educator to not merely adjust, but to spearhead this transformative journey. The future is not reserved for the faint-hearted; it is the playground of those bold enough to envision and shape a new era. So let's not just foresee the future, let's IMAGINE it—together.