The healthcare sector never rests, thanks to the rigors of the job, the rapidly-evolving health management approaches and compliance regulations. These quick changes require constant training and skill development on the part of healthcare professionals who have the responsibility to deliver quality care to patients. Several healthcare organizations across the world rely on learning management systems (LMS) to ensure smooth and efficient operations. LMSs are not just limited to medical training but also help health facilities to improve overall patient care and healthcare deliveries. An efficient LMS helps healthcare organizations create better audit trails, enable competent compliance training and offer self-management courses for patients.
Using appropriate LMS tools for medical training not only automates the training processes but also reduces training expenses. These convenient platforms help medical professionals refurbish training materials as per industry regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
The top 5 must-have LMS features for the effective training of health professionals
Medical training requires lots of compliance-based tools and methods as there are numerous modules and courses to a curriculum. By incorporating LMS with a learning path feature, courses can be planned and structured, thereby making it convenient for the learners to pick up topics step-by-step. Also, they can collaborate on several online courses, video tutorials, and other academic modules into one comprehensive course and segregate them as per their learning ways to earn certificates.
- Live Webinars and Video Conferences
Learning management systems with webinars and video conferences tend to be more opted in medical training because of their engagement capability. These features not only make learning interactive but also more insightful. Connecting with experts and veterans make learners feel more associated with their training/course. Also, such real-time eLearning methods encourage learners to understand their stream/course better through a wide range of visual elements and live audios.
Of late, there is more inclination towards online learning tools and platforms as they can be accessed anytime and anywhere. However, only-online training cannot replace instructor-led learning in medical studies as practices in a hospital setting is important. Hence, it is crucial to choose an LMS that supports a hybrid learning model, which means healthcare professionals not only learn through traditional means but also are exposed to various multimedia content like audiovisual lectures, etc.
- In-built Reporting and Analytics
Built-in reporting and analytics tools in an LMS platform lets trainers track learner’s progress on the course by offering deep insights about how effective the training program is. Such compliance-tracking features help strengthen student management capabilities like tracking attendance and analyzing student engagement in the course. These effective features are a must as they are efficient measurement techniques and report if professionals need additional training.
One of the most important features that must be incorporated in any healthcare LMS is mLearning or mobile learning. Healthcare providers have a super-busy schedule and will mostly prefer on-the-go training methods to upgrade their skills. mLearning not only offers a flexible study approach but also allows them to access courses on their own devices in their own free time. With growing smartphone engagements, several medical courses are now available on mobile apps, facilitating medical professionals who are on the move.
Besides these essential features, a reliable healthcare LMS should also be user-friendly with easily managed integrations like real-time chats, video conferencing, screen-sharing tools, etc. Language localization is another preferred feature in LMS as health staff across all work locations can access the same information. Such tools ease-out cultural and language barriers while interacting with peers or patients anywhere in the world. Also, LMS providers should be technically available 24/7 for assisting learners during course training. Healthcare organizations should also make sure that the LMS they opt for, abides by HIPAA laws while operating through FTPS, HTTPS, FDA, emails, etc.
