Instructional Design Portfolio · Clinical Education Case Study

Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) / Swan-Ganz Basics

A self-guided critical care learning experience designed to build foundational competency in pulmonary artery catheter interpretation, waveform analysis, hemodynamic monitoring, and patient safety. Developed in collaboration with a clinical subject matter expert and delivered through Canvas LMS with AI-supported learning tools and interactive review experiences.

Clinical Education Critical Care Nursing Canvas LMS AI Learning Assistant Waveform Interpretation Interactive Learning Hemodynamics

Audience ICU & Critical Care Learners

Modality Self-Guided Asynchronous

Platform Canvas LMS + AI Tutor

Learning Focus Hemodynamics & PAC Interpretation

Project Overview

This instructional design project was developed to support foundational learning related to Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) monitoring in critical care environments. The module introduces learners to pulmonary artery catheter purpose, waveform interpretation, hemodynamic measurements, troubleshooting, and patient safety considerations.

Designed in collaboration with a clinical subject matter expert, the learning experience translates complex cardiovascular monitoring concepts into approachable and clinically relevant instruction. Materials were organized within Canvas LMS using scaffolded learning progression, visual examples, interactive review activities, and AI-enhanced support tools to reinforce learner understanding.

Learning Objectives

1Describe the function and clinical purpose of a Pulmonary Artery Catheter

2Identify indications and contraindications for PAC use in critical care settings

3Differentiate between direct and calculated hemodynamic measurements

4Define and interpret values including CVP, PAP, PAOP, CO, and SvO2

5Recognize complications related to PAC use and apply patient safety principles

6Apply waveform interpretation and troubleshooting strategies in simulated scenarios

Learning Experience & Course Resources

Canvas LMS Structure

Course structure organized into scaffolded modules including readings, waveform interpretation resources, case-based learning, and review activities. Emphasizes intuitive navigation and progression.

Waveform Interpretation Resource

A custom slide deck designed to teach arterial and central venous pressure waveform interpretation, troubleshooting, and recognition of abnormal monitoring patterns.

Download Slide Deck

Custom AI Clinical Educator

A custom-built AI assistant supporting learner understanding through conversational review, waveform explanation, hemodynamic calculations, and PAC troubleshooting guidance.

Open PAC AI Assistant

Interactive Review Game

A Genially-based review activity using retrieval practice and game-style interaction to reinforce PAC concepts and support clinical decision-making related to hemodynamic monitoring.

Open Review Activity

Instructional Design Strategy

Clinical SME Collaboration

All instructional materials were developed collaboratively with a clinical subject matter expert to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with real-world practice.

Simplifying Complex Concepts

Hemodynamic monitoring and waveform interpretation were translated into approachable materials using visual scaffolds, structured explanations, and applied examples.

AI-Enhanced Learning

Custom AI tools were integrated to support self-directed review, learner questioning, and interactive exploration of clinical concepts beyond static course content.

Interactive Reinforcement

Game-based review activities and case-style learning experiences were included to strengthen retention and applied understanding of hemodynamic monitoring.