Medical Coding & Reporting | REN Learning Design

Tools:

Adobe Captivate
Adobe Photoshop
PowerPoint

Skills:

eLearning Development
Fact Sheet Development
Graphic Design

Project Overview:

The project aimed to address a compliance challenge faced by CodifyCare Solutions in ensuring that medical coders effectively read and engage with critical coding guidelines, updates, and regulations. The previous fact sheets lacked visual appeal, clarity, and engagement. To overcome this problem, an innovative eLearning module was developed to transform the process of reviewing and comprehending coding information. The project involved creating an engaging crossword puzzle that integrates key information from the fact sheet. This unique approach required coders to read the content attentively and utilize it to successfully complete the crossword puzzle.

Problem:

CodifyCare Solutions faced challenges in ensuring that medical coders not only read but also absorbed and understood crucial coding information. The previous fact sheets failed to engage coders effectively, resulting in compliance gaps and reduced retention of important coding updates.

Solution:

To address this problem, an eLearning module was designed, which not only presented the necessary coding information but also required coders to actively engage with it. The solution involved creating an interactive crossword puzzle based on the content of the fact sheet. Coders were compelled to read and understand the information to solve the puzzle successfully. This approach ensured that coders not only reviewed the content but also applied it actively, leading to enhanced compliance and knowledge retention.

Design Approach:

Research: Thorough research was conducted on a specific coding topic (ICP Monitoring) to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content.
Content Outline: The project involved outlining the contents of the fact sheet, and selecting key terms and concepts to be included in the crossword puzzle.
Visual Design: All medical graphics were designed using Photoshop. Because this was a concept project, branding for a fictitious company was created. The branding can be seen consistently applied throughout the module and custom medical graphics.
Crossword Puzzle Development: The crossword puzzle was developed in Adobe Captivate. Advanced actions and states were utilized to simulate the experience of completing a real crossword puzzle.
Integration: The crossword puzzle was seamlessly integrated with the fact sheet to create a cohesive and engaging eLearning module.

Accessibility:

It was important to me to design this eLearning module with accessibility in mind. Creating accessible education is the right thing to do and benefits all. This module can be experienced using a screen reader or a keyboard. Several key elements that were implemented to increase accessibility include:

Requiring each box of each letter to be double-clicked. This allows the screen reader to read the box's number and orientation (7 down, 5 across, etc.). Instructions to double-click are included and instructions can be repeated as many times as needed.

Building in alt text for each box of each letter. The alt text describes not only the box's number and orientation but also the corresponding number key to press on the keyboard if accessing this module by the keyboard.

All the text meets WCAG AA compliance (fact sheet and eLearning module) and designated font and button size (body text, button text, button height, and color) are used consistently throughout the module.

Lessons Learned:

In contrast to my highly technical and JavaScript-heavy projects such as 'Pharmaceutical Transport' and 'Navigate Compliance,' this project was an enjoyable deviation. It highlights the importance of engagement, visual design, and innovative solutions. I think my next steps for this project include perfecting the custom medical graphics and recruiting users to test accessibility. If I were able to test this learning experience on users, I would also be sure to implement Dr. Will Thalheimers, 'Performance-focused Learner Surveys', to capture the validity and effectiveness of this solution.

experience the project