LIPHA, the Learning Inter-Professionally Healthcare Accelerator, is an educational technology that integrates simulation-, case-, team- and story-based learning in a serious meta-simulation game world. LIPHA for Long-Term Care (LTC) was developed with stakeholders, including educators, as a joint initiative of the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in LTC, Baycrest, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation. LIPHA is powered by Launch57 and integrated with Surge Learning.
LIPHA delivers curated, evidence-based education to accelerate learning and augment clinical placements. Students safely explore, rehearse and receive instant feedback on self-paced, scaffolded learning activities. The game economy, engagement loops and rewards encourage learners to keep playing to deepen specialized care competencies. The game world and narrative foster a coherent growth experience for learners.
Last year, Ontario nursing and personal support students piloted LIPHA for LTC by completing simulacra, simulated cases, mini-games, fact sheets and videos with quizzes, eLearning and other activities to develop their gerontological, inter-professional and relational care competencies.
The evaluation revealed that learners were mostly or very satisfied. Nearly 75% were already applying what they had learned. Although not ‘mandatory’ for all students, 87% successfully completed LIPHA for LTC.
A student stated, “this elevated our expectation of learning because whenever you play a game, […] the Carthage for example […] you are also learning along the way.” A faculty member stated, “I see value in LIPHA…I will use this opportunity to test out a potential prerequisite to our course.”
Students self-reported increased confidence in:
Learners also shared that LIPHA increased their interest in gerontology.
One student stated, “I’m already interested in this field of nursing, so I would say [the Carthage game] has only enhanced my interest.” Another student highlighted, “The game helps me a lot in communication […] I learned skills and knowledge on how to communicate with not just the patient or the client, but also with the relatives and the carers of those older adults.”
After a successful pilot, LIPHA is now available with added features, an upgraded user interface and as a new micro-credential version! Student and stakeholder feedback have been crucial to these improvements. Learn more about LIPHA by watching our introductory video or schedule a personalized introduction to LIPHA by contacting us through the “Book a Demo” button at www.mylipha.ca.
With renewed Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care funding, Ontario schools can now access 6,000 free registrations for nursing and personal support students. Students can also self-register at www.mylipha.ca/nursing-students for the free 8-hour micro-credential to build their résumé!
For schools and students outside of Ontario, please contact us through the “Book a Demo” button at www.mylipha.ca.
The team is excited to share LIPHA for LTC – an innovative educational technology to strengthen student readiness for LTC and to optimize the quality of care and living for older adults.