The Rise of Microlearning: Engaging healthcare professionals with bite-sized medical content

Microlearning is one of the latest innovative teaching techniques that combine the concept of small or brief acquisition of knowledge or skills. In microlearning, activities are conducted in short, focused rushes within a limited time frame.¹

Microlearning can help learners retain information as the learning breaks content into small, manageable chunks and counter the challenges of the forgetting curve. Microlearning allows learners to revisit material periodically, enhancing retention of key concepts and making it easier to integrate the learning into their daily routines.²

Microlearning and Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is a widely recognized learning theory that highlights the principal role of cognitive load in the learning activity. Cognitive load is the mental effort required to process information within working memory during learning activities.

Three types of cognitive load include:³

• Intrinsic cognitive load: the inherent complexity of the learning material
• Extraneous cognitive load: arising from the instructional design or delivery factors hindering the learning process
• Germane cognitive load: the cognitive effort supporting the learning process and aiding in knowledge acquisition

Cognitive Load Implications in Medical Education

Instructional designers and medical education professionals must consider CLT to support learners effectively. They should provide materials and activities that help novices acquire and automate schemas, aiding their progression to expertise. Awareness of working memory limitations is crucial, as overloading hinders learning. Content should be chunked, and visual aids and practice opportunities should be provided to build and automate schemas.³

Innovative Microlearning Strategies for Upskilling Healthcare Professionals

Microlearning is a flexible educational approach that can greatly benefit healthcare professionals by facilitating upskilling and workforce transformation.

Here are some of the distinctive ways in which microlearning can help healthcare professionals improve their skills and knowledge:

• Healthcare professionals often encounter urgent situations that demand the immediate application of knowledge or skills. Microlearning offers quick access to focused, relevant information, allowing them to respond to critical issues effectively.
• Microlearning modules can act as convenient refresher courses for complex medical procedures. Surgeons, for example, can use brief video tutorials to quickly review surgical techniques or best practices for sterilization.
• Staying up to date with drug information is essential in healthcare. Microlearning provides concise updates on new medications, interactions, and dosages, ensuring healthcare professionals remain informed about the latest pharmaceutical.
• Effective communication with patients is a crucial component of healthcare. Microlearning can provide scenarios and tips to enhance patient interactions, enabling professionals to cultivate better bedside manners and empathy.
• For healthcare practitioners such as radiologists and pathologists, microlearning can provide case studies or quizzes that can sharpen diagnostic skills. These bite-sized scenarios enable professionals to progressively enhance their decision-making abilities.
• Healthcare professionals must adhere to strict legal and ethical standards. Microlearning can deliver concise updates on regulatory changes and ethical dilemmas, guiding professionals on how to navigate these issues and reducing the risk of non-compliance.
• With the rise of telehealth, healthcare providers require training in remote patient care. Microlearning can offer modules on telehealth best practices, ensuring professionals are equipped to conduct virtual consultations and deliver effective.
• Healthcare professionals frequently experience high levels of stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their work. Microlearning can provide short mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, and self-care tips, empowering healthcare workers to reduce stress and build resilience, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and patient care.

The Benefits of Microlearning

Maximizing Productivity

Microlearning courses and modules are designed for quick consumption, typically lasting just 5 to 10 minutes. This format enables learners to engage with the material whenever convenient, such as during breaks or downtime, maximizing their time and minimizing waste.⁴

Knowledge retention and the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve

Studies have demonstrated that short, focused learning sessions can enhance knowledge retention. The “forgetting curve” suggests that learners forget over 50% of new material within 20 minutes after a lesson, dropping to 40% in nine hours and 24% in 31 days without revision. However, microlearning effectively addresses this issue by reinforcing key concepts at timely intervals.²

Empowering Learners with Flexibility

The concise microlearning format allows learners to integrate it into their busy schedules and complete modules on the go. It is particularly suited for mobile or tablet devices, enabling employees to engage with the content whenever and wherever it is convenient for them.⁵

The Challenges of Microlearning

While microlearning offers numerous advantages, it also presents certain challenges.

The Pitfalls of Over-Simplification

Due to the brevity of microlearning modules, there is a risk of oversimplifying complex topics. This oversimplification can result in a superficial understanding, potentially leaving learners unprepared for real-world applications. It is crucial to ensure that intricate subjects are comprehensively addressed, even when presented in a microlearning format.

The Consequences of Superficiality

Similarly, microlearning centers on bite-sized information, sometimes resulting in a lack of in-depth exploration of a subject. This approach can be problematic for topics requiring deep dives or a thorough understanding of context.

Navigating Large Volumes of Content

Unlike traditional corporate e-learning formats that typically consist of 20 to 30-minute sessions, microlearning modules are often just 5 minutes long. As a result, more content is needed to cover all topics, which can lead to increased organization and maintenance within the learning management system, making it time-consuming to manage.⁴

Conclusion

As the need for efficient training solutions grows, incorporating microlearning into educational strategies while ensuring thorough coverage of important subjects can help healthcare professionals stay informed, enhance their skills, and improve patient care. By leveraging the benefits of microlearning with a balanced focus on content depth, organizations can build a more skilled and adaptable workforce in a constantly changing environment.

References:

1. Dwinggo Samala, Agariadne, et al. Microlearning: Transforming education with bite-sized learning on the go—insights and applications. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM)21 (2023).
2. Shail, Mrigank S. Using micro-learning on mobile applications to increase knowledge retention and work performance: A Review of Literature. Cureus8 (2019).
3. Wissman, Adam W. Cognitive load theory: Applications in Medical Education. Technical Communication Capstone Course. 25. (2018)
4. Malik, Abdul, et al. Revolutionizing Anatomy Teaching: The Benefits and Challenges of Microteaching in Tashrih-Al-Badan (Anatomy) Education. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education 1 (2024)

Authors:

Saurabh Shukla, Masters of Pharmacy
Scientific Writer 1, Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Saurabh on LinkedIn

Dhanya Mukundan, MDS (Oral Medicine and Radiology)
Expert Scientific Writer, Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Dhanya on LinkedIn

Raghuraj Puthige, PhD., eMDP
Function Head, Medical Communications – Enago Life Sciences
Connect with Raghuraj on LinkedIn