Fireside Chat Series: Leveraging Microlearning and Compliment Courses - Video 6 of 7

This fireside chat, featuring the Senior Director of Vault Training at Veeva Systems and the CEO of Learnaboutgmp, provides an in-depth exploration of modernizing training programs within the life sciences industry by leveraging microlearning to complement traditional macro learning assets. The discussion centers on the strategic relationship between e-learning content and software deployment, emphasizing how pharmaceutical and biotech companies can select and implement training programs that ensure continuous education and regulatory compliance. The speakers argue that while traditional 45- to 60-minute asynchronous modules (macro learning) are necessary for deep dives and accreditation, they must be augmented by a continuous, frequent stream of targeted, short-form content.

The core philosophy presented is that microlearning is not merely a short video format, but a strategic program designed to reinforce specific learning objectives and maintain workforce engagement. Learnaboutgmp, for example, has shifted its business model to roll out microlearning assets—typically 45 to 90-second videos—to clients every Tuesday and Thursday. This frequent, low-friction delivery mechanism keeps critical messages "front of house," moving away from the outdated model where GxP or compliance training is viewed as a single, one-time classroom event. The short duration is crucial, as employees are more likely to engage with a 60-second video than a 45-minute module, thereby improving retention and continuous skill reinforcement.

A significant application of microlearning discussed is its role in preparing the workforce for regulatory audits. The speakers detailed how micro-training can be strategically deployed in the weeks leading up to an audit to reiterate key procedures and expectations, such as how to interact with auditors. This targeted approach is also highly effective for complex regulatory topics like Data Integrity and software validation. For instance, microlearning videos can be used to repeatedly reinforce concepts like the ALCOA and ALCOA+ principles, ensuring that employees are prepared to answer specific questions regarding validation and qualification processes. This strategic deployment allows companies to align their microlearning strategy directly with their overarching compliance goals and macro learning curriculum.

Furthermore, microlearning offers a cost-effective path for customization. Historically, customizing lengthy macro courses was prohibitively expensive. Now, companies can utilize standardized macro courses for foundational knowledge and then create bespoke, small-asset microlearning programs to address specific, internal procedures or unique compliance challenges. This "drip-feed" approach, where a program might consist of six micro-videos rolled out weekly, allows training departments to manage complex topics and ensure focused readiness, proving that successful training programs require vendors capable of providing both robust macro content for accreditation and agile micro content for continuous, targeted reinforcement.

Key Takeaways:

• Microlearning is a Strategic Philosophy: Microlearning should be viewed as a continuous educational program focused on creating small assets with specific learning objectives, rather than simply defining a video length limit.
• Optimal Frequency and Size: The most effective microlearning assets are typically between 45 and 90 seconds long and should be deployed frequently (e.g., twice weekly) to ensure continuous engagement and message retention.
• Shifting Training Paradigm: Life sciences education must move beyond the "one-time stop" model (e.g., annual GxP training) toward a continuous education process that uses frequent, short bursts of information to reinforce knowledge.
• Audit Readiness and Reinforcement: Microlearning is an ideal tool for reinforcing critical compliance messages immediately prior to key events, such as regulatory audits, by providing targeted training on procedures and expected behaviors.
• Cost-Effective Customization: Companies can achieve bespoke training outcomes more affordably by utilizing standardized macro courses and complementing them with customized microlearning assets tailored to specific internal processes or regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Focus (ALCOA+): Microlearning is highly effective for reinforcing complex regulatory frameworks, such as Data Integrity principles (ALCOA and ALCOA+), ensuring the workforce understands validation and qualification expectations before an inspection.
• Vendor Selection Criteria: Life sciences companies should seek vendors who provide a comprehensive library encompassing both macro learning (for accredited, deep-dive topics) and micro learning (for continuous reinforcement and strategic messaging).
• Strategic Alignment: Both macro and micro learning strategies must be consciously aligned with the company’s overall business objectives, regulatory strategy, and specific departmental needs (e.g., commercial operations, clinical data management).
• Increased Engagement: The short duration (45-90 seconds) of microlearning content significantly increases the likelihood of consumption and engagement among the workforce compared to traditional, lengthy e-learning modules.

Tools/Resources Mentioned:

• Veeva Vault Training
• Learnaboutgmp

Key Concepts:

• Microlearning: A philosophy and program design focused on delivering short, highly targeted educational assets (typically 45-90 seconds) frequently to reinforce specific learning objectives and ensure continuous education.
• Macro learning: Traditional, longer-form e-learning courses (e.g., 45-60 minutes) used for deep dives, foundational knowledge, and formal accreditation.
• GxP (Good Practices): A set of quality guidelines and regulations governing manufacturing, laboratory, and clinical practices in the life sciences, which requires mandatory and continuous training.
• Data Integrity: The assurance that data is accurate, complete, consistent, and trustworthy throughout its lifecycle.
• ALCOA/ALCOA+: An acronym defining key attributes of data integrity (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate), with the "+" adding Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available. This framework is critical for software validation and regulatory compliance.

Examples/Case Studies:

• Audit Preparation Program: Learnaboutgmp developed a program that rolls out micro-training specifically focused on auditing procedures and readiness to prepare a company's workforce for an upcoming inspection.
• Software Validation Training: Microlearning assets are used to "drip-feed" information around software validation and ALCOA+ principles to ensure employees are thinking about and prepared for questions related to these regulatory requirements.