Patient Activated Learning System (PALS)

The patient activated learning system is a publicly available resource designed to provide engaging, easily understood, well-researched facts for people who want to know more about health, medicines, and diseases. The PALS, which was architected by Monika Safford, M.D., draws on several established paradigms:

• Adult Learning Theory – adult learners want focused information at the time they need it.
• Social Cognitive Theory – humans learn by watching what others do.
• Bartle’s Taxonomy – the multi-billion dollar online gaming industry uses 4 basic player types (achievers, “killers”, explorers, socializers) which are incorporated into the PALS.
• Storytelling – because humans remember more in the context of a story.

The PALS uses Reusable Knowledge Objects (RKOs), which consist of a patient-derived question, a single learning objective, a well-researched answer translated into patient facing text at the 6th grade level, and an assessment question testing whether the learning objective has been met.

For more information, visit palsforhealth.com.