DDA continues to revolutionize Philips training with a series of interactive eLearning tools.
Challenge
The HeartNavigator is an interventional tool developed by Philips Healthcare that combines 3D CT images of a patients' cardiac anatomy captured before a procedure into a single image with an overlay of the live X-ray fluoroscopy information. In order to support this tool's commercial market release, Philips Healthcare wanted an effective method of training end users. Traditional training methods for Philips consisted of face-to-face, peer-to-peer workshops with PowerPoint presentations and printed user guides. For Philips' XperGuide, Dynamic Digital Advertising (DDA) developed an interactive eLearning tool that advances Philips training methods. The challenge for HeartNavigator was to develop a similar eLearning tool, but customize its contents and interactivity to the many facets and advantages unique to the HeartNavigator product.
Objectives
This being the third in a series of eLearning tools DDA created for Philips Healthcare, there was already a foundation for the virtual lab environment. However, certain procedural steps for the HeartNavigator need to be completed in a control room setting. Consequently, one of the objectives for this project was to design an adjunct virtual environment. Another objective was to maintain the concept of step-by-step procedure-based virtual medical simulations, featuring a passive simulation to guide users through the use and application of the equipment and an active simulation where users could operate the equipment in a risk-free virtual setting. Just like the first two eLearning tools developed for Philips by DDA, the HeartNavigator tool would provide users with an introduction of an on-screen actor/actress to present the features of the HeartNavigator product.
Solution
DDA designed the HeartNavigator eLearning tool with futuristic lab and control room environments complete with Philips medical equipment, a 3D patient model, and ambient lighting to distinguish one module from another. After casting an actress from DDA's Actors' Network, DDA's videographers filmed the actress on green screen in our studios, edited, and embedded the video into the introduction module. Voice-over narration for the passive and active simulations was also recorded by DDA in our sound-proof audio booth. By combining high-definition video, animation, programming, still photography, and 3D models, DDA was able to create procedure-based simulations where users are free to explore and practice their skill sets at their own pace and in a manner that best suits their unique learning style. DDA also incorporated closed captioning into the tool, as well as a testing module where users can answer multiple choice questions and with a passing score, receive a personalized certificate with a date stamp as proof of their participation.
Results
An additional feature developed by DDA is the administrative back-end system that stores user registration information and helps Philips Healthcare monitor usage and navigation throughout the eLearning tool. In the first couple of months since the launch of this tool, more than 200 international and U.S. physicians registered, interacted with the simulations, and completed the testing module. This number continues to grow as it gains exposure on the Philips main website and as Philips' representatives utilize the eLearning tool at workshops around the world. Post launch, this virtual learning environment has gotten great reviews from both customers as well as colleagues in the field.
