Multiple Ways to Learn: Customizable Training Approaches in Healthcare

Rethinking Traditional Training in Healthcare

Traditional training often feels like an obligation rather than a helpful learning experience, especially in fast-paced clinical environments where time is limited. Many organizations invest heavily in content design, yet the method behind it influences learning far more than visuals alone. Before exploring the options, it helps to keep a few key reminders in mind.

Training leaders often emphasize several core considerations:

• Engagement shapes attention, recall, and confidence during high-stakes tasks

• Functional content supports safer and more consistent clinical performance

• Using multiple methods ensures teams with different learning preferences feel supported

When these elements work together, training becomes more meaningful and contributes to stronger patient care outcomes.

Before exploring each method in detail, remember that the goal is to match the method with the needs of your learners, your workflow, and the type of skill being taught.

How Important Is It to Choose the Right Training Method?

Learners in healthcare often absorb information differently. Some understand concepts by watching; others prefer hands-on practice or structured instruction. Training topics also vary widely, from clinical procedures to communication, workflow, compliance, and new technology. With so many variables, the method becomes a powerful tool; one that can either strengthen or limit learning. Below are the seven core training methods used across healthcare environments.

Different Types of Training Methods

Most training methods support more than one learning style, which is helpful when training teams with diverse roles. Offering a blend of methods increases learner confidence because each employee can engage with material in a way that feels natural. Unless a clinical skill requires a specific approach, variety gives your teams more opportunities to learn successfully. Below are the seven most practical training methods that healthcare organizations rely on.

1. Case Studies

Case studies help healthcare professionals refine their judgment, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. These scenarios can be based on real events or fictional situations that represent common challenges.

They typically highlight scenarios such as patient deterioration, ethical decisions, workflow gaps, and communication breakdowns.

• Learners review the case, interpret the situation, and explore possible solutions

• Each solution supports deeper thinking and broadens the learner’s clinical perspective

• Teams often discuss cases together, strengthening collaboration and shared decision-making

These structured scenarios help anchor knowledge and build confidence before applying skills in live settings.

Case studies are particularly helpful when teaching complex or sensitive topics that require careful thinking rather than rapid action.

2. Coaching

Coaching provides a personalized learning experience, often delivered by a more experienced colleague. Healthcare environments already lean toward mentorship, and structured coaching strengthens this dynamic even more.

Coaching emphasizes real-world application, encouragement, and direct feedback.

• It supports meaningful dialogue between mentor and learner

• It helps clinicians feel comfortable asking questions

• It encourages steady growth and builds trust between team members

These elements make coaching a valuable approach when developing leadership, communication, and clinical decision-making skills.

Coaching becomes even more accessible when delivered through virtual meetings or digital platforms, allowing mentors to guide learners regardless of location.

3. eLearning

eLearning allows healthcare teams to learn at their own pace, which is highly beneficial for busy clinical schedules. It supports policy updates, compliance topics, system training, and foundational knowledge.

Many eLearning programs mirror classroom-style lessons while adding multimedia for clarity.

• Learners receive information through visuals, narration, or guided modules

• Quizzes and scenario-based questions reinforce understanding

• Progress tracking provides helpful insights into learner performance

This structure makes eLearning scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient for large organizations.

Most importantly, eLearning supports consistency, ensuring every learner receives the same accurate information.

4. Instructor-Led Training (ILT)

Instructor-led training allows learners to ask questions, clarify complex concepts, and interact with an expert in real time. Healthcare teams often benefit from this structure when learning skills that require discussion or clinical reasoning.

ILT works well whether the session is face-to-face or delivered through video conferencing.

• Learners gain immediate guidance from the instructor

• Facilitators monitor engagement and adjust teaching as needed

• Participants build trust and rapport through the shared learning environment

These advantages provide clarity and support, especially during sessions that address advanced or multi-step skills.

ILT can become challenging when group sizes grow large, which is why many organizations pair it with other methods.

5. Interactive Training

Interactive training helps healthcare teams learn through active participation rather than passively listening. This approach improves retention and helps learners practice realistic scenarios.

Interactive formats create enjoyable and immersive experiences.

• Game-based activities use points or scores to encourage motivation

• Roleplay prepares learners for patient communication and sensitive conversations

• Simulations allow practice of advanced clinical skills in realistic environments

These experiences help professionals build confidence and apply what they learn more effectively.

Interactive training works especially well in high-stakes environments where hands-on practice results in safer patient care.

6. On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training offers hands-on learning directly within the workflow. It shortens the time needed for new hires to feel comfortable in their roles and provides exposure to real clinical tasks.

This method can take many forms within healthcare settings

• Internships help learners build essential clinical and administrative skills

• Job rotations expose staff to different units, expanding their capabilities

• Shadowing allows new hires to observe experienced clinicians and learn expectations

Because the learning experience is real and relevant, engagement tends to remain high.

On-the-job training also supports leadership growth and helps employees develop a deeper understanding of organizational operations.

7. Video-Based Training

Video training continues to grow in popularity because it delivers information quickly and offers strong visual reinforcement. Healthcare learners often appreciate the immediate clarity that visuals provide.

Videos support diverse scenarios and skill levels through flexible formats

• Animations enhance understanding of complex topics

• Live-action videos demonstrate hands-on procedures

• Screen recordings guide learners through digital workflows

Video content is accessible, repeatable, and convenient for busy clinical schedules.

This method is useful when learners need to revisit material multiple times before using it in practice.

How to Choose the Right Employee Training Method

When selecting a training method for healthcare teams, it helps to evaluate your program from two angles: goals and audience. Skill type, risk level, digital comfort, and organizational culture play important roles.

The method should connect seamlessly with the learning purpose.

• Coaching strengthens leadership and communication

• eLearning supports policy education and systems training

• Roleplay prepares teams for patient-facing conversations

• Video works well for procedural knowledge and workflow guides

Choosing thoughtfully ensures training supports real-world performance rather than overwhelming learners.

Audience preferences also matter, especially among generational differences, varying clinical roles, and staff availability.

Measuring the Effectiveness of Training Methods

Training that works transforms how clinicians perform. To understand effectiveness, you need reliable metrics and structured follow-up.

Organizations often use multiple evaluation strategies.

• Compare clinical or operational performance before and after training

• Use learning analytics to understand how engaged learners are

• Measure adoption and task completion after workflow or system training

• Conduct pre-tests and post-tests to track knowledge growth

• Gather feedback from learners and instructors for nuanced insights

These measurements highlight which methods create meaningful improvements.

They also guide future training decisions, so the organization continues to grow and refine its approach.

Customize Your Training for Maximum Impact

Healthcare teams benefit from training programs that respect their time and match the realities of daily practice. When the method fits the learners, the workflow, and the goal, training becomes easier to understand and apply. Blended approaches often work best because they reinforce skills through different formats. Training should also stay flexible so it can support both new and experienced clinicians. With the right mix of methods, organizations see stronger teamwork, better performance, and improved patient outcomes.

Pivto Better Learning helps healthcare organizations make smart training decisions by matching the right method with the right learning goal. Our team includes instructional designers who specialize in eLearning modules, microlearning, video production, assessments and evaluation, PDF course companions, interactive training, and animation. We design training that supports how healthcare professionals truly learn, helping teams build confidence and apply new skills with clarity. With our experience across multiple training formats, healthcare organizations can move forward with a partner who understands both the clinical environment and the learning science behind effective education. Pivto strengthens training programs so your teams can focus on delivering exceptional care.

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