Training through a virtual medical simulation helps clinicians stay consistent in evaluating coma patients.
Challenge
Hyperion Therapeutics was about to run clinical studies for patients suffering from Hepatic Encephalopathy, which results from liver failure and effects brain function, leading to a coma. Premier Research Group needed an interactive medical training CD-ROM to help train clinicians in two different rating systems of this condition, the Glasgow Coma Scale and the West Haven Criteria. DDA Medical's video crew would need to go on-location to San Francisco to film physicians rating patients using both systems.
Objectives
To produce this comprehensive interactive medical eLearning tool for the coma scale assessment, DDA would include demonstration videos for both the Glasgow Coma Scale and the West Haven Criteria along with an introduction and conclusion about these rating systems for coma patients. Since this simulation tool would be used for medical training, it required a testing portion where users would acquire certification in the skill. All components would need to be housed in a platform that would be easy to navigate and access from anywhere, and would include an online database programmed to allow administrators access to necessary usage and testing reports. The Graphic User Interface (GUI) would be designed by DDA graphic designers, with the final product to be produced on CD-ROM for clinician distribution.
Solution
In addition to DDA's video and DVD production services, DDA Medical provided actors' network and casting services to cast local talent to play both patients featured in the video. The eLearning portal included educational video, downloadable instruction sheets for both rating scales, and a complete interactive quiz mechanism with scoring to provide accreditation for clinicians.
After viewing the videos, users are given login information to view a website dedicated to the testing portion of this eLearning tool. While taking the test, clinicians view a short clip of the patient's response and score it based on the proper coma scale. For this project, Hyperion requested that users score 100% on the test in order to pass and be accredited. Any wrong answer forces the user back to review the materials and try again later, until every question is answered correctly. Once users pass the testing portion, they are awarded with personalized certificates of completion that include their full name and date of completion. An online database collects user information, including test scores, and an administrator has access to these reports when needed.
Results
With this interactive training and testing CD-ROM, clinicians gain a consistent approach to the rating systems for patients suffering from Hepatic Encephalopathy in preparation for clinical studies sponsored by Hyperion Therapeutics.
