What is LEAP
Virginia Mason Institute’s mission is to help healthcare organizations create and sustain cultures of high reliability and high performance. LEAP (Learn, Experience, Apply, and Perform) methodology is the Learning Experience taught through Virginia Mason Institute. LEAP is a comprehensive learning experience that focuses on the application of knowledge and skills in the workplace. It emphasizes experiential learning and hands-on training. Often, these methods are more effective than traditional didactic methods. This is because experiential learning allows learners to engage with the material meaningfully and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts.
About LEAP
The LEAP learning experience is unique as it is specifically designed to be scalable for healthcare professionals. As an acronym, each letter in LEAP specifies a way of learning. L stands for Learn, which is about learning at your own pace using real-life examples to understand key principles, methods, and tools. LEAP includes mobile-friendly lessons in multiple formats including text, audio, and video to make training as accessible as possible. E stands for Experience, which provides hands-on learning exercises with reflection and collaboration to experience the concepts truly. Learners can engage in online discussions and additional opportunities to network. A is the next step standing for Apply. Applying learning is a way to integrate new knowledge with personal work and daily challenges. LEAP uses worksheets, projects, and more to provide a space for feedback. The final step in this system is the Performance of skills and new knowledge. Within this final step, growth is evident in how the staff applies the learnings to daily work. With the learning, experience, exercise, and application, the result improves patient performance, team performance, and the organization.
LEAP training demonstrates the following principles: one, Learning is a lifelong process; two, Experience is the best teacher; three, Application is essential for learning; and four, Performance is the ultimate goal of learning.
Aiming to improve employee engagement, retention, and performance is the goal of LEAP. It is a powerful tool for improving healthcare culture and training teams. It is a strategic method for helping organizations to achieve their goals and to create a better future for all.
How does LEAP work
LEAP is a nontraditional way of approaching learning holistically. Didactic learning has limits and often does not help an entire team with unique learning needs thrive. LEAP encompasses critical Virginia Mason Institute principles, methods, and tools. These are used to learn through exercises, reflections, and collaborations. Providing the environment to use these new principles in daily work and challenges is crucial to delivering value for patients, the team, and the organization. LEAP is cutting-edge training that combines innovative technologies, clinical expertise, and evidence-based methods to create a scalable healthcare education space.
What is unique about the LEAP learning experience is that it allows for personally paced learning through real-life examples. This engaging approach enables learners to progress at their own speed, fully grasp each concept, and retain information. With this learning method, collaboration with experts and other learners in similar positions fosters a supportive environment for asking questions, gaining insights, sharing ideas, and building a professional network. The LEAP method pushes learners to apply concepts to embed principles and procedures while reflecting on their work’s current state and potential impact. This unique approach to learning develops a sense of ownership and responsibility. By becoming teachers and coaches, learners can pass on their knowledge and skills, creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement within their organization. This continued learning ensures that the team’s new knowledge and experience with the methodology benefits the organization and are sustained over time. This learning experience gives healthcare professionals fundamental training to improve patient care, efficiency, and overall culture. It equips them with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care, enhance productivity, and foster a collaborative and continuously improving healthcare environment.
Final Thoughts
LEAP from Virginia Mason Institute offers a transformative approach to learning. Focusing on healthcare professionals, this method prioritizes hands-on experience, collaboration, and the application of knowledge in real-world settings. By guiding learners through the stages of Learn, Experience, Apply, and Perform, LEAP cultivates a deeper understanding of essential principles while fostering personal growth and professional development. Learners are able to apply concepts quickly to embed the principles and methods while reflecting on the current and potential impact of the Learning Experience. This Virginia Mason Institute learning experience equips healthcare professionals with the tools to enhance patient care, improve talent retention, and enhance organizational performance. Additionally, this type of learning instills a culture of continuous improvement. Through LEAP, teams become more engaged, better prepared, and more committed to delivering high-quality care. Learning this way creates a lasting impact on both their personal practice and the broader healthcare environment. LEAP functions as a vital tool for organizations striving to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with agility, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
