Overhead layflat shot of the final toolkit, showing the game box, skill book, player pieces, and digital CPR device.Overhead layflat shot of the final toolkit, showing the game box, skill book, player pieces, and digital CPR device.
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CPR Toolkit

How we made CPR training more engaging and accessible.

CPR training is required for all employees at Cincinnati Children's regardless of ability. Instructors had created a toolkit for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but sought a more cohesive redesign that would assist learners through realistic scenarios.

The challenge

The learning kit in use didn't engage students, and was not realistic enough to draw a connection between teaching and practice.

The insight

Added enjoyment to the learning process and increased information retention under pressure.

The deliverable

Reimagined the materials as a game-based toolkit that could be used individually or in groups, with opportunities for discussion, problem-solving, and physical demonstration.

Expertise.

  • Interviewing and focus groups
  • Sketching and illustration
  • Electrical prototyping
  • Game play system creation
problem

The current prototype didn't engage learners.

The first iteration of the CPR learning kit felt disconnected from real-life situations. The teaching storybook and accompanying game were not engaging enough to influence learners' memory and confidence in employing the skills they had learned and discussed. For individuals with IDD, it is especially important to provide realistic scenarios and visuals that can be clearly identified in practice.

Approach

Auditing the current tool.

The teaching team had produced a handmade CPR learning set, and provided our teams with these materials to analyze their visual language, cohesion, communication proficiency, and functionality.

APPROAch

Building, testing, and rebuilding.

The Live Well team invited hospital employees and Project SEARCH interns to test multiple rounds of prototypes, recording their comments as they played the game.

OUTCOME

Inclusive design helped students to retain and reinforce CPR training.

Playing the new and improved CPR game helped students in focus groups feel much more comfortable discussing possible scenarios and practicing physical skills. CCHMC uses this tool as part of its training curriculum to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are prepared to enter the workforce.

The project also provides the opportunity to expand CPR resource access to individuals in low-income communities with low literacy rates. The game set is available for purchase online and can be immediately implemented in schools, hospitals, and other institutions.