A matter of life or death: re-engineering competency-based education through the use of a multimedia CD-ROM

Organisations and their clients have limited tolerance for inept performance, particularly when it´s a matter of life or death. Service organisations rely on competencies of individual staff to produce and deliver core activities. In these organisations employees engage directly with clients in complex interactions as part of process. High level performance is required in challenging environments and it doesn´t occur by chance. Competencies are learned. In situations where the risk to individuals and the organisation is high, education and credentialling of employees in key competencies is warranted. Educators are engaged to teach competencies that are relevant and known to enhance an organisation´s performance. Competence based education underpins effective organisational risk management in service delivery organisations, most notably perhaps in organisations that deliver human services. However, the cost of competency based staff development and evaluation programs for large groups is often high. The paper describes: a scenario of a large multi-campus medical centre that requires competency based education in basic life support for 4500 students and staff; a process that entails the re-engineering of competency based credentialling services through the design, integration and use of a multimedia CD ROM; outcomes of enhanced learning and cost savings coupled with reduced organisational risk