Digital Transformation Consulting

DaVita faced a significant challenge in training new dialysis technicians, as traditional methods required extensive time away from patient care for both trainees and experienced preceptors. The existing clinical onboarding program, which spanned 350 hours over 10 weeks, involved a blend of self-paced study and shadowing, but this approach was limited by the physical constraints of the clinical environment. To address this issue, DaVita sought to innovate its training process by leveraging the metaverse to create a virtual training experience that would allow staff to familiarize themselves with dialysis machines before working with real patients.

The tailored solution involved developing a hyper-realistic virtual model of a dialysis machine, which included all necessary components and was designed to be used repeatedly by trainees. This immersive training environment was created through collaboration between Accenture's team of designers, UX experts, and metaverse specialists, alongside clinical experts from DaVita. The focus was on the complex procedure of setting up the dialysis machine, which consists of 47 unique steps. The virtual training experience was designed to replicate the physical actions required in the clinic, enabling trainees to build muscle memory and confidence in their skills.

The results of this initiative were promising. By implementing the virtual training solution, DaVita aimed to enhance the overall training experience for new technicians while reducing operational inefficiencies. The virtual environment not only provided more training time on the clinic floor but also contributed to improved employee sentiment and morale, which is crucial in an industry facing retention challenges. Furthermore, the insights gained from this project could inform future training applications within DaVita and potentially benefit other industries that prioritize safety and skill development. Overall, this innovative approach to training has the potential for long-term value, allowing for ongoing analysis and improvement of clinical procedures.