Interactive, gamified learning developed using Near-Life and Vyond is helping healthcare professionals across the United States strengthen environmental cleaning practices: gaining outstanding learner feedback and national recognition in the process.
Developed by Mountain Pacific in collaboration with the Alaska Department of Public Health, the training was created in response to a statewide needs assessment that identified a requirement to improve environmental cleaning knowledge and practice.
Using Near-Life’s interactive learning platform alongside animated content created in Vyond, the team developed two interactive learning modules: “Setting Up Your EVS Cart” and “Cleaning an Occupied Room”. The team transformed essential infection prevention guidance into engaging, scenario-based learning. Rather than simply presenting information, the courses encourage learners to make decisions, solve challenges and receive immediate feedback throughout their learning journey.
The results have been impressive.
The programme has now been adopted across 13 US states, reaching around 1,000 healthcare learners.
Evaluation data shows that:
- 89% of learners said the training improved their overall understanding.
- 91% said they intended to implement what they had learned in practice.
- 92% said they would recommend the training to others.
National Recognition
The project has also received national recognition, being showcased as an example of best practice at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Annual Conference in Nashville.
“What’s meant the most to me is hearing from partners who tell us this training changed how they think about their work, not just what they know. By combining evidence-based concepts with real-world scenarios, we’ve put out something that’s both engaging and genuinely useful. Near-Life gave us a way to put learners into realistic situations instead of simply delivering information. It also helped us better understand knowledge gaps, which allowed us to continuously improve and expand the training. Having this work recognized at APIC in Nashville was such a proud moment for our team.”
Crystal Morse, Health System Leader, Mountain Pacific
Reputation for innovation
Mountain Pacific have developed a reputation for innovation, with their focus on making care better for patients and easier for workers. The programme builds on previous work they carried out in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.
The success of the initiative reflects a growing body of research demonstrating the value of interactive, gamified learning. A major meta-analysis published in Educational Psychology Review found that thoughtfully designed gamification has a significant positive effect on learners’ cognitive outcomes, motivation and behaviour.
Mike Todd, CEO of Near-Life, welcomed the success of the project.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Mountain Pacific and their work with the Alaska Department of Public Health on such an important initiative. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when expert subject knowledge is combined with creative instructional design. The Mountain Pacific team has developed learning that is not only engaging, but also delivering measurable impact. It’s fantastic to see that recognised nationally through APIC.”
Following the programme’s success, and based on the interest generated, Mountain Pacific is now planning a Spanish-language version and a version in Tagalog, to help reach an even wider healthcare workforce as additional states look to adopt the learning.