Summary

This blog outlines seven best practices for medical device training in hospitals, highlighting blended learning, specialized curricula, customization, simulation training, quality resources, AI tracking, and workflow automation.

Today, the use of medical devices at hospitals has grown considerably. For instance, the global medical device market is projected to grow from $518.46 billion in 2023 to $886.80 billion by 2032. Of the latter, $314.96 comprises the market size just in the United States. Key market segments include orthopedic devices, cardiovascular devices, diagnostic imaging, in-vitro diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, dental devices, and general surgery.

Contemporary medical professionals must be prepared to harness the benefits of such cutting-edge devices. Exposure to superior, agile medical device training can equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to boost medical outcomes. In this blog, we outline seven best practices forward-thinking hospitals adopt to deliver continual and superior training to their medical teams.

Table of Contents:

What is Medical Device Training?

Medical device training is a specialized branch of medical training designed to help professionals more effectively leverage the benefits of medical devices. Today, it is estimated that the global medical device market comprises over 2 million such devices, which are further categorized into over 7,000 generic groups. Examples of such device categories include appliances, instruments, software, machines, apparatus, implants, and implements.

Many of these devices are integrated with technologies such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Because these devices have such a game-changing effect on medical outcomes, professionals need to understand how to choose them, operate them, and use them optimally. However, hospitals face common challenges when it comes to training staff on optimal medical device usage. These include inconsistent training schedules, inadequate training, and costly, unsustainable training modules.

The price of improper usage of medical devices can be costly for hospitals. The consequences can include more poor medical outcomes, a growing number of lawsuits, and a culture that lacks innovation and excellence. This is where early investments in superior and dedicated medical device training programs can be a game-changer.

Also Read: Hybrid Curriculum Development in Healthcare Education

7 Pillars of Agile Medical Device Training

Hospitals must consider the following strategies to boost the quality and learning effectiveness of medical device training programs:

1. Introduce Blended Learning in Healthcare

Medical professionals have busy and erratic schedules, making it challenging for them to learn in a lecture-based, offline mode. Hospitals looking to build a sustainable medical device usage training program must consider introducing blended learning in healthcare. This approach comprises a mix of online and offline learning opportunities. For instance, medical professionals can access byte-sized on-demand learning resources alongside live offline demonstrations. Building a mobile-first experience is equally important, with smartphones gaining prominence in daily life.

2. Design a Specialized Curriculum

Medical device usage is an independent discipline that is gaining more importance in a world where technology plays a key role in medical effectiveness.

  • Hospitals must design a curriculum that is relevant to their specific specializations, and needs.
  • It must cover all key subjects – from quality management systems and risk management to product-specific training, employee D&I training, and healthcare compliance training.
  • A curriculum that includes both online and offline components must align with the needs of a blended learning experience.
  • It must nudge medical professionals towards a self-learning, lifelong learning mindset.

3. Provide Customized Training

Medical professionals today use a diverse range of medical devices based on their unique job profiles and specializations. Personalizing learning pathways can empower professionals to learn faster and more effectively. They can practice more, have their skills tested regularly, and master their devices.

AI can study large volumes of data, evaluate learners’ needs and preferences, and tailor lessons to their specific needs. Adopting AI-powered Learning Management Systems (LMS) can enable hospitals to offer customized training to learners while automating the entire process.

4. Introduce Simulation Training

Today, simulation training is emerging as an important pillar of corporate training solutions for healthcare. In particular, medical device usage demands hands-on, practical experience. However, practicing on real devices with real patients can be risky, both financially and with regard to the well-being of the patient.

This is where live digital simulations can enable medical professionals to learn, practice, and test their skills without any risks. Live simulations are generated by applying technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Though the environments are digitally generated, the entire experience mimics real-life situations, which encourages medical professionals to spend more time learning and perfecting their skills.

5. Build Superior Learning Resources

Medical professionals must have access to high-quality and accessible learning resources, which can be presented as e-learning modules for healthcare. Learning resources can be presented in multiple formats, including videos, audio representations, 3D models, slideshows, podcasts, and interactive eBooks. Such diversity makes the learning journey more engaging and encourages professionals to self-learn.

6. AI-Powered Progress Tracking

Tracking a medical professional’s progress is an important component of the entire learning experience. Superior AI-powered Data Analytics can help train administrators to gauge engagement and proficiency levels in depth. Based on real-time data, they can understand the strengths and weaknesses of learners and reshape their programs.

7. Automate the Training Workflow

Program administrators must have access to the right tech-enabled solutions, which enable them to automate the entire training process. Access to cloud-based LMS allows admins to onboard medical professionals and guest lecturers quickly and efficiently.

They can seamlessly and securely create, publish, and distribute content and programs. Such a platform also enables superior collaboration between healthcare instructional designers, facilitators, guest lecturers, and other professionals who create and run programs. Learners can have a unified viewing experience from their devices.

Also Read: eLearning Platforms for Medical Training: Enhancing Access to Education

In Conclusion

Access to superior and effective medical device training can empower hospitals to deliver the best treatment to patients and improve their medical outcomes. Implementing key strategies such as blended learning, a specialized curriculum, personalized learning pathways, simulation training, superior learning resources, tracking engagement and progress, and automating the training workflow can help hospitals transform their programs.

If your hospital aims to build superior training programs, consider partnering with Hurix Digital, which brings high-impact expertise and customized solutions to the table.