Project Overview

As Lead Instructional Designer, I developed a comprehensive blended learning program on medicinal cannabis for healthcare professionals. This initiative addressed a critical knowledge gap in the healthcare sector, as traditional medical education rarely covers this emerging treatment option despite growing patient inquiries and prescriptions.

The program combined self-paced digital modules with facilitated discussions and hands-on workshops to build both knowledge and confidence among diverse healthcare practitioners including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

Key Metrics

  • 4 comprehensive microlearning modules (1.5 hours each)

  • 85% completion rate across all modules (vs. 30% industry average)

  • 93% of participants reported increased confidence discussing medicinal cannabis with patients

  • 4.9/5 overall satisfaction rating from healthcare professionals

  • Endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for CPD points

The Challenge

Healthcare professionals faced multiple barriers to effectively discussing and prescribing medicinal cannabis:

  • Complex, Evolving Regulatory Framework: Constantly changing state and federal regulations created confusion about legal prescribing pathways

  • Limited Formal Education: Most practitioners received no training on the endocannabinoid system or cannabis therapeutics during their formal education

  • Clinical Uncertainty: Lack of familiarity with dosing, contraindications, and clinical evidence

  • Time Constraints: Busy clinicians had limited availability for comprehensive education

  • Stigma and Misconceptions: Historical stigma and misinformation created hesitation among healthcare providers

These challenges required a learning approach that was not only informative but also designed to build confidence and practical skills while accommodating clinical time constraints.

My Approach

Needs Analysis

I began with comprehensive needs assessment to ensure the program addressed actual knowledge gaps and clinical needs:

  • Conducted structured interviews with 12 healthcare professionals across different specialties

  • Surveyed 85 potential participants about knowledge gaps and learning preferences

  • Analyzed 130+ questions submitted to a medicinal cannabis information hotline

  • Reviewed existing educational resources to identify gaps and opportunities

  • Collaborated with regulatory experts to map required competencies

This analysis revealed that clinicians needed both foundational knowledge and practical guidance in a format accessible during their busy schedules.

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Blended Learning Design

Based on the needs assessment, I designed a multi-modal learning approach that balanced flexibility with comprehensive skill development:

1. Self-Paced eLearning Foundation (Digital)

  • Four microlearning modules (1.5 hours each) covering:

    • Endocannabinoid system and pharmacology

    • Clinical evidence and indications

    • Patient assessment and prescribing pathways

    • Monitoring outcomes and managing adverse effects

  • Mobile-responsive design allowing completion between patient appointments

  • Modular structure enabling focused learning on specific topics

2. Interactive Case Studies (Digital)

  • Branching scenarios based on common clinical presentations

  • Decision-point feedback with expert rationales

  • Downloadable clinical decision aids for real-world application

3. Virtual Q&A Sessions (Synchronous)

  • Monthly expert-led discussions addressing emerging clinical questions

  • Opportunity for peer learning and experience sharing

  • Recording and summarizing key points for asynchronous access

4. In-Person Skills Workshops (Face-to-Face)

  • Half-day practical sessions on patient communication and prescribing

  • Role-play scenarios with standardized patients

  • Hands-on experience with product selection and dosing calculations

Collaboration with Subject Matter Experts

I implemented a structured SME engagement approach to maximize their limited availability while ensuring clinical accuracy:

  • Micro-Consultation Strategy: Developed focused 20-minute consultation sessions on specific content areas

  • Content Extraction Templates: Created structured templates that guided efficient knowledge capture

  • Shared Understanding Document: Maintained a living document of clinical principles to ensure consistent messaging

  • Rapid Prototype Reviews: Developed quick mockups for SME feedback before full production

  • Escalation Framework: Established clear protocols for resolving contradictory clinical opinions

This approach allowed us to maintain project momentum while ensuring all content was clinically validated by experts in the field.

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Development & Implementation

Module Development

I used a range of tools and technologies to create an engaging, accessible learning experience:

  • Articulate Rise for responsive, mobile-friendly core content

  • Articulate Storyline for interactive case studies and decision simulations

  • H5P for knowledge checks and interactive diagrams

  • Camtasia for clinical demonstration videos and expert interviews

  • Miro for collaborative content mapping with clinical experts

All content was developed with accessibility in mind, meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards and including closed captions, transcripts, and screen reader compatibility.

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Implementation Strategy

The program rollout was carefully designed to maximize adoption and completion:

  1. Phased Implementation: Initially launched to a pilot group of 30 clinicians for feedback before wider release

  2. Multi-Channel Communication: Created awareness through professional associations, clinical networks, and targeted outreach

  3. Embedded Reminders: Implemented automated nudges for module completion and workshop registration

  4. Just-in-Time Support: Established a help desk for technical and content questions

  5. Learning Champions: Recruited clinical advocates to encourage participation among peers

Assessment & Evaluation Framework

I developed a comprehensive evaluation strategy based on Kirkpatrick's model:

  • Level 1 (Reaction): Satisfaction surveys after each module and workshop

  • Level 2 (Learning): Pre/post knowledge assessments and confidence ratings

  • Level 3 (Behavior): Follow-up surveys at 3 months to assess clinical application

  • Level 4 (Results): Tracking of prescribing patterns and patient consultations (with proper consent)

This multi-level approach provided rich data for continuous improvement while demonstrating the program's impact on clinical practice.

Results & Impact

The blended learning approach delivered exceptional results:

Engagement & Completion

  • 85% completion rate across all digital modules (compared to industry average of 30%)

  • 92% attendance at scheduled virtual Q&A sessions

  • 78% of digital learners also attended in-person workshops

Knowledge & Confidence Gains

  • 32% average improvement in knowledge assessment scores

  • 93% of participants reported increased confidence discussing medicinal cannabis

  • 87% increase in self-reported comfort with prescribing pathways

Practice Change

  • 64% of participants reported initiating discussions about medicinal cannabis with patients within 3 months

  • 41% increase in appropriate referrals to specialist cannabis clinics

  • 73% of participants implemented the downloadable clinical tools in their practice

Qualitative Feedback

"The combination of self-paced learning and practical workshops perfectly balanced my need for flexibility with the opportunity to practice new skills in a supportive environment." - GP, Regional Practice

"The interactive case studies were particularly valuable - they helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world application." - Nurse Practitioner

"After 20 years in practice, this is one of the most comprehensive and practical professional development programs I've experienced." - Pharmacist

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Technical Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Mobile Accessibility for Busy Clinicians

Many participants needed to complete learning between appointments on various devices.

Solution: I implemented a responsive design approach using Articulate Rise, ensuring seamless experience across devices. Created downloadable summaries for offline reference and optimized media for varying bandwidth conditions.

Challenge 2: Integrating Real-Time Clinical Updates

The rapidly evolving regulatory landscape required frequent content updates.

Solution: Developed a modular content architecture that isolated regulatory information in specific components for easy updates. Implemented a quarterly review cycle and created a "Latest Updates" section separate from core content.

Challenge 3: Maintaining Engagement Across the Blended Experience

Ensuring continuity between digital learning and in-person components was essential.

Solution: Created a consistent visual identity across all program elements. Developed bridging activities that connected online learning to workshop participation. Implemented a digital community space for ongoing discussion between synchronous sessions.

Lessons Learned & Best Practices

This project yielded valuable insights for future blended learning initiatives:

  1. Start with self-paced fundamentals before collaborative learning: The digital modules established a shared knowledge base that made synchronous sessions more productive and advanced.

  2. Design for the clinical workflow: Breaking content into microlearning segments aligned with healthcare professionals' sporadic availability and allowed for application between learning sessions.

  3. Create structured but efficient SME engagement: The micro-consultation approach respected specialists' time constraints while ensuring clinical accuracy.

  4. Build application tools, not just learning content: The downloadable decision aids extended learning into practice and provided ongoing support after formal training.

  5. Measure what matters to stakeholders: Aligning evaluation with stakeholders' priorities (confidence, practice change, patient consultations) demonstrated real value beyond completion metrics.

Reflection & Continuous Improvement

We implemented several improvements based on participant feedback and evaluation data:

  • Added a "Quick Reference" section based on frequently accessed content

  • Expanded the case library to include more specialty-specific scenarios

  • Introduced "microlearning boosters" - 5-minute refreshers on key concepts

  • Developed an advanced module on special populations based on Q&A session themes

  • Created a mentorship component pairing experienced prescribers with new practitioners

These refinements further strengthened the program's effectiveness and expanded its reach to additional healthcare contexts.

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Application to Aged Care Education

This blended learning approach offers several advantages for aged care training contexts:

  1. Flexibility for shift workers: The self-paced components accommodate varied schedules and 24/7 staffing patterns common in aged care.

  2. Practice-based learning: The combination of theory and application addresses the practical nature of aged care work.

  3. Peer learning opportunities: The collaborative elements facilitate knowledge sharing among staff with different experience levels.

  4. Continuous reinforcement: The multi-touch approach helps cement knowledge that must be applied consistently in care delivery.

  5. Efficient SME utilization: The structured consultation approach maximizes input from clinical specialists who have limited availability.

The success of this program demonstrates my ability to develop comprehensive, effective learning solutions that drive measurable change in clinical practice - a directly transferable skill to Bethanie's aged care education initiatives.