As a health informaticist, I frequently find myself navigating the complex intersection of clinical workflows and technology. A recent project involved developing an e-learning course for pain management documentation in an electronic health record (EHR) application. The challenge was not just about teaching documentation; it was about making the learning experience engaging and accessible to busy clinicians. This reflection delves into my experience with Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise 360, two powerful e-learning tools, and how I determined the right tool for the job.
Balancing interactivity with rapid development
I had to weigh my options carefully. The microlearning course functionality in Rise 360 offered a quick development cycle, an easy to use block-based structure, and a mobile-friendly experience. Given the time constraints and the need for straightforward, structured learning, Rise 360 seemed like the obvious choice. Within a short span, I planned out a microlearning course focusing on two main objectives:
- Determine the most suitable pain scales for various patient demographics.
- Assess and justify optimal timing for pain evaluation and reassessment in patients.
As I progressed through the development cycle, I started encountering limitations. Navigation was restricted, and branching scenarios which would have been beneficial for tailoring content to different clinician roles were not feasible. I found myself re-evaluating my approach. Could I simplify the learning objectives without sacrificing quality? The answer was yes, but it required careful content curation.
Challenges in EHR pain management documentation training
EHR documentation can be complex, involving multiple layers of clinical decision-making, compliance requirements, and workflow alignment. The most critical learning points I needed to convey were:
- Selecting the appropriate pain assessment tool (e.g., a numeric rating scale for verbal patients vs behavioural assessments for non-verbal patients).
- The importance of accurate and timely documentation within the EHR to maintain care continuity.
- Following up on pain reassessment and ensuring interventions were properly recorded.
With Rise 360, I had to prioritise clarity and efficiency over interactivity. The course was structured with clean, modular lessons, removing unnecessary information to focus only on the most essential details. However, I wondered whether a scenario-based learning approach would have been more effective.
Why Storyline 360 would have been the better choice
With more time at my disposal, I would have opted for Storyline 360, which would have allowed me to create:
- Interactive decision trees enable clinicians to practice documentation choices in a safe, simulated environment.
- Layered content, where different learner paths could be customised based on their role (e.g., outpatient nurse, midwife, or allied health professional).
- Software simulations provide hands-on practice with EHR documentation steps rather than passive content consumption.
Refining my approach to tool selection
Reflecting on this project, I realised that choosing the right tool is about balancing efficiency and effectiveness:
- Use Rise 360 when the learning objectives are clear-cut, structured, and require rapid deployment.
- Use Storyline 360 when training requires interactive decision-making, software simulations, or custom branching scenarios.
- Combine both tools when possible; embedding Storyline 360 elements within Rise 360 can provide interactivity without sacrificing quick development.
Lessons learned and final thoughts
This experience reinforced that e-learning development is never one-size-fits-all. While Rise 360 enabled a fast turnaround, it lacked the depth I would have liked for clinicians needing interactive engagement. In the future, I will likely incorporate a hybrid approach to ensure that learners get the best of both worlds.
EHR training is evolving, and as an instructional designer, I must remain adaptable, continuously refining my tools and strategies to meet the needs of healthcare professionals effectively. Choosing the right authoring tool is just one piece of the puzzle, but it can make all the difference in how well the learning experience resonates with end users.