The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) developed by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), St. Joseph's Voice & Swallowing Center, and Johns Hopkins University, is a research-based standardization of the Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS). Using this system, clinicians observe and grade the physiological impairment of the mechanisms of a swallow. For the first time, the MBSImP provides a means to communicate MBSS results consistently and accurately, effectively standardizing a once varied and interpretive process. To introduce this system to a community of clinicians, the originators of MBSImP were in search of a multifaceted eLearning developer and DDA proved to be just this.
Objectives
To teach the intricacies of the MBSImP, the eLearning platform needed to be much more than a standard hub of information. It needed to be a virtual classroom in which registered clinicians could learn, apply acquired knowledge in a practice setting, and confirm adequate comprehension levels through reliability testing. Beyond training, registered MBSImP clinicians needed access to a secure patient database and reporting interface where they could track patient treatment and outcomes, as well as demonstrate evidence of therapy.
Solution
The MBSImP is comprised of three zones: Learning, Training, and Reliability. Each level is progressively unlocked with the completion of specific checkpoints. Starting with the Learning Zone, MBSImP clinicians have access to 17 modules depicting various types of swallowing dysfunction, with varying degrees of impairment. Here, the user can pair an actual fluoroscopy with a detailed animation of the same impairment. Using DDA's innovative Sync-lock™ technology, users can synchronize the video with the animation, progressing through the presentation frame-by-frame. Clinicians then adjust degrees of impairment to witness a side-by-side comparison of variances in swallowing dysfunction. Accompanying voiceover narrations provide information on the swallowing component and define MBSImP scoring methodology. The 72 animations contained in the learning zone are the first of their kind, and all were developed in house by DDA's team of talented animators. The Training Zone houses two practice areas. The first contains 20 swallowing studies. Here, registered users observe a video fluoroscopy and score each component of the swallow using the MBSImP system. The second practice area contains 15 full-length swallowing studies, complete with patient history and unique study variables. Users are then asked to score all 17 components of the swallow. Clinicians finally gage their proficiency in the Reliability Zone by scoring 10 full studies with at least 80% accuracy. Should a user pass, they then gain access to a Patient Data & Reporting interface. Here, they can contribute to the first international registry for swallowing dysfunction.
Results
With a large and growing base of users, the MBSImP platform has met its goal, successfully teaching this breakthrough approach to a community of medical professionals. The platform is a true testament of DDA's capabilities as a full-service eLearning provider.
