Unique, Interactive Learning Games Created by Pittsburgh Multimedia Firm Providing New Approach to Nursing Education Nationwide

When you think of nursing education, chances are you envision late nights spent with thick books filled with medical terminology that address only one style of learning. Thanks to the efforts of a Pittsburgh, PA-based Web and multimedia design firm, that image is, pun intended, old school.

Lava New Media, LLC recently collaborated with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) -- a national professional organization of more than 32,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursing -- and its educational subsidiary, OES, in the development of two interactive CD-ROM games that provide oncology nurses with fun, entertaining and enjoyable ways to gain continuing education credits.

Lava recently completed Common Threads, a multiple-player game designed to educate nurses about hormonal influences on breast and prostate cancers. In November, Clues-O, a solo game through which players learn the proper treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, will be available. "The games turn bland textbook information into highly vivid, audio and visual participatory experiences that draw nurses in and make the material fun to learn and easier to remember," says Dave Horn, Lava co-owner and principal, who worked with ONS and OES to bring their concepts to life.

Interactive Approach Proves Wildly Popular With Nurses
The collaborative relationship began last year when Lava designed two games for OES. One incorporated a Jeopardy-type approach; the other was an animated, choose-your-own-adventure experience that featured three comedic cartoon patients who could increasingly become healthier or sicker depending on which treatments the nurses chose for them.

Last November, OES introduced the latter game at a nursing conference in Nashville, TN. Response to the patient simulation game was extremely positive. More than 200 nurses surveyed unanimously said they found it a fun, unique learning experience and that they enjoyed the look and feel. None indicated finding it an offensive way to teach oncology practices.

Following the conference, OES asked Lava to create a home edition of the patient simulation game and ordered 50,000 CDs. Based on the popularity and demand of the existing games and this novel approach to oncology education, ONS and OES placed significant initial orders of the Common Threads and Clues-O CD-ROMs.

All four games, including Common Threads and Clues-O will be available for nurses to play at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders' annual conference at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa on November 10. Lava New Media's principals will be on hand to demonstrate how these can be customized for teaching almost any nursing education subject.

HornÕs previous experience creating interactive games for medical professionals includes one he programmed two years ago for a major pharmaceutical company, to introduce physicians to the benefits of a now-popular allergy relief product. ÒI understand the game has become a popular kiosk attraction at medical conferences and trade shows," says Horn.

About Lava New Media, LLC
Lava New Media, LLC, is dedicated to providing its clients with creative, award-winning and custom Web, multimedia and print solutions. Services provided by Lava New Media help clients communicate effectively to their target audiences, measurably increase their sales and save them money. Lava New MediaÕs collaborative approach to working with clients combines proven expertise and absolute commitment to each clientÕs satisfaction. This personal attention enables Lava to build a professional relationship with each client through which goals will be met in the most efficient and creative ways possible.

Lava's Web site is at www.lavanewmedia.com.