View source for Directory:Fox Learning Systems

{{Infobox Company
| name             = [[Fox Learning Systems]]
| company_logo     = [[Image:Logo_low_horizontal_smaller.jpg]]
| type             = [[Private Company | Private]]
| company_slogan   = Real Life, Real Learning
| foundation       = Fox Farsight - 1997 <br>[[Fox Learning Systems - 2003]]
| location         = {{flagicon|Pennsylvania}} {{flagicon|USA}}<br>[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]|
| industry         = [[Elder Care]]
| products         = [[E-Learning]], [[Video Production]]
| homepage         = [http://www.foxlearningsystems.com/ www.foxlearningsystems.com]
}}

'''Fox Learning Systems''' is an American [[e-learning]] and [[multimedia]] training company. It has developed a variety of hardware and software training modules that are being used in hundreds of [[nursing homes]], government agencies, universities, and private corporations. Founded in 1997 as '''Fox Farsight''' it began as a CD Rom developer in [[Bridgeville, PA]]. After several years of growth and technology changes Fox Learning Systems adopted its current name and moved its headquarters to a new campus in [[Mt. Lebanon, PA]] a suburb of [[Pittsburgh, PA]]. Fox Learning Systems currently uses an [[Learning Management System]] to track and store the majority of its content.

== Founding ==
[[Debra Fox]], is a former [[news anchor]] for [[WTAE]] the [[ABC]] affiliate [[Pittsburgh, Pa]]. Debra Fox started Fox Learning Systems after personally witnessing the training problems plaguing the long term care industry.<ref>Product Showcase, ''Long Term Living Magazine''[http://www.ltlmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=DB533CF5289D43BFBA052FB50960B7E2]</ref> "If you do training well enough, people will learn," said Fox in an interview with [[Seton Hill University]]'s E-Magnify journal.<ref>Young, Julie M. 'Debra Fox: Fox Learning Systems.  Making Employee Training Stick', ''E-Magnify'', September 2004 [http://e-magnify.com/entrepreneurs_view.asp?ID=12]</ref> [[Debra Fox]] has won numerous awards as an individual being associated with Fox Learning Systems. The Company headquarters is in Mt. Lebanon, PA., a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA.

== History ==
Debra Fox established Fox Farsight in 1997 by launching a [[CD-ROM]] series of training modules<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/businessnews/20001110fox2.asp|title=Former TV reporter now appears in training videos she produces|last=Gannon|first=Joyce|date=November 10, 2000 |work=Post-Gazette  |accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>. The original CD-ROMs were funded by a grant from the [[National Institute on Aging]].  These CD roms were used by  nurses at elder care facilities to gain education and compliance.  With the changing technology Fox Farsight was morphed into Fox Learning Systems<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smc.org/Pdfs/DB-Pdfs/nov02.pdf|title=NewsMakers|date=November 2002|work=Dynamic Business|page=4|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>.  Fox Learning Systems concentrates its e-learning material over the internet with content and user tracking being stored on a [[Learning Management System]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS141691+14-Jul-2008+PRN20080714|title=Fox Learning Systems Selects Prymak's Discovery-180(TM) Technology Assessment to Guide Search for New LMS Prymak Technology Services Ideal Match for Long-Term Care  |date=July 14, 2008 |work=Prymak press release|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>. In 2008 Fox Learning Systems licensed its "Eldercare Family Center" program to [[Rite Aid]] for its "Rite Aid Giving Care for Parents" program that launched in August of 2008<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/rite-aid-offers-help-stressed/story.aspx?guid=%7B06D4D564-EF99-438C-B2DA-03A89A368610%7D&dist=hppr|title=Rite Aid Offers Help to Stressed Caregivers. Expert Advice from Rite Aid Pharmacists and Geriatric Authorities, Informational Videos and More Available Online In-Store Guide Provides Helpful Hints, Resources and Coping Strategies |date=Sept. 23, 2008|work=Rite Aid Corporation press release|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>.

== Studies ==
Fox Learning Systems has conducted and participated in numerous studies related to psychiatric learning and elder care. The [[National Institute of Health]] as well as the [[National Institute of Mental Health]] has awarded grants to Fox Learning Systems to study a variety of aspects in the Eldercare field. <ref> NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool [http://report.nih.gov/award/trends/FindOrg_Detail.cfm?OrgID=3747101] </ref> For example, in 2002 the [[National Institute of Health]] awarded $566,000 to Fox Learning Systems for two research grants. <ref>NIH Awards to All Institutions by Rank
Fiscal Year 2002 
 [http://report.nih.gov/award/trends/rnk02all901to1500.htm] </ref> <br>
<br>

:* In 2002 Fox Learning Systems conducted a 6-month randomized experiment comparing computer-based and lecture-based learning for nursing-home staff education. This study was conducted to find if interactive multimedia training would be feasible for compliance training in nursing homes.<ref>Jules Rosen, MD, Benoit H. Mulsant, MD, Marcia Kollar, MSN, CSb, Kari B. Kastango, MS, Sati Mazumdar, PhD, Debra Fox, MA, 'Mental Health Training for Nursing Home Staff Using Computer-Based Interactive Video: A 6-Month Randomized Trial', Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Volume 3, Issue 5, Pages 291-296 (September 2002)[http://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(05)70543-0/abstract]</ref>
:* In 2003 Fox Learning Systems provided the educational component of a study to improve quality of care and quality of life in nursing homes. Pressure ulcers were dramatically reduced.  In addition, using the animation, the nursing staff learned to identify early stage pressure ulcers in different skin tones.  Prior to this study, African-American nursing home residents with one pressure ulcer were likely to have multiple ulcers wheras this was not the case for Caucasian residents.  After the education, no one, white or black, had more than a single [[pressure ulcer]].<ref>Mittal, Vikas. 'Joint Study Combines Best Practices from Business Care to Combat a Top Health Care Threat for Patients in Nursing Home Facilities', Katz Quiz, Americas Weekly Business Quiz. University of Pittsburgh School of Business. [http://www.katzquiz.com/opinion.cfm?o_num=12]</ref><ref>Rosen, J., et al. Ability, Incentives, and Management Feedback: Organizational Change to Reduce Pressure Ulcers in a Nursing Home], Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, v7 i3, pp 141-146 (March 2006) [http://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(05)00529-3/abstract] </ref><ref>Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 19(5):262-269, June 2006.
Rosen, Jules MD; Mittal, Vikas PhD; Degenholtz, Howard PhD; Castle, Nick PhD; Mulsant, Benoit H. MD; Nace, David MD; Rubin, Fred H. MD [http://www.aswcjournal.com/pt/re/advswc/abstract.00129334-200606000-00011.htm;jsessionid=Jc0fh2MPbqvQNnrYJrttv00BRtkfh1hGwPQvn2SJ6JftC951lnwG!1285625425!181195628!8091!-1?index=1&database=ppvovft&results=1&count=10&searchid=3&nav=search] </ref>
:* In 2003 Fox Learning Systems conducted a study on how computer based education should be presented to families faced with the decision of a nursing home.<ref>Jules Rosen, MD, Vikas Mittal, PhD, Benoit H. Mulsant, MD, Howard Degenholtz, PhD, Nicholas Castle, PhD, Debra Fox. 'Educating the Families of Nursing Home Residents: A Pilot Study Using a Computer-based System', Journal of American Medical Directors. Volume 4, Issue 3, Pages 128-134 (May 2003) [http://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(04)70321-7/abstract#back-aff6]</ref> As a result of this grant eldercarefamilycenter.com was launched as a resource for families when placing elderly family members into nursing homes.<ref>http://eldercarefamilycenter.com</ref>
:* In 2004 Fox Learning Systems conducted a study based on the [[Hamilton Depression Rating Scale]] to see if actors could effectively portray depressed patients. Their findings have been published in the [[American Journal of Psychiatry]].<ref>Jules Rosen, M.D., Benoit H. Mulsant, M.D., Martha L. Bruce, Ph.D., Vikas Mittal, Ph.D., and Debra Fox, M.A.,'Actors’ Portrayals of Depression to Test Interrater Reliability in Clinical Trials', American Journal of Psychiatry.  
[http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/161/10/1909]</ref><ref>Joan Arehart-Treichel, 'In Medicine, All the World May Be a Stage', ''Psychiatric News'' October 15, 2004
Volume 39 Number 20. [http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/39/20/26]</ref> Through this study Fox Learning System launched accupsych.com a learning system that can be used to train research raters.<ref>http://accupsych.com/index.cfm</ref>
:* In 2005, Drs. Eric Lenze of [[Washington University in St. Louis]] and colleagues conducted a study to determine if stroke victims could identify their own risk factors for stroke after completing inpatient physical rehabilitation. Surprisingly, the majority of patients were unaware of their own risk factors and therefore were not in a position to change any lifestyle patterns that would reduce risk of a subsequent stroke.  Dr. Lenze and his colleagues approached Fox Learning Systems, Inc with the challenge of developing an adaptive learning educational tool that stroke victims would be able to use with the computer compensating for specific neurological deficits. <ref>Skidmore, Elizabeth R. PhD, OTR/L; Koenig, Kris L. MBA; Munin, Michael C. MD; Whyte, Ellen M. MD; O'Donnell, Lynn RN, CRRN; Penrod, Louis MD; Lenze, Eric J. MD,  
'Do Clinical Rehabilitation Education Programs Really Improve Stroke-Related Knowledge?', ''American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation''. 87(8):637-641, August 2008. [http://www.amjphysmedrehab.com/pt/re/ajpmr/abstract.00002060-200808000-00004.htm;jsessionid=JcQbrKMycV3yhR8Gdff6VLT2LJjy1pnZLJnh9YJxVQS1y49kg8wx!1571206638!181195629!8091!-1]</ref><ref>Fox Learning Systems Inc, All NIH Grants FY2005 (Excel Spreadsheet) [http://report.nih.gov/award/trends/InstInfoExcel.cfm?OrgID=3747101&Year=2005]</ref>
:* In 2005, Fox Learning Systems conducted an NIH funded study dealing with [[Electroconvulsive therapy]]. They produced an Interactive video to simplify and provide patient information on ECT.<ref>report.nih.gov/award/trends/InstInfoExcel.cfm?OrgID=3747101&Year=2005</ref>
:* In 2008, Fox Learning Systems started phase two of their "Web Based Training for Families of Longterm Care". This seeks to asses family satisfaction, involvement, complaints, resident quality care and quality of life".<ref>http://www.agingtech.org/item.aspx?id=290&CA=2</ref>
:* In 2008, Fox Learning Systems started phase two of the NIH funded "Do Clinical Rehabilitation Education Programs Really Improve Stroke-Related Knowledge?". This is currently in the early stages of development with a time table of 3 years to completion.<ref>Skidmore, Elizabeth R. PhD, OTR/L; Koenig, Kris L. MBA; Munin, Michael C. MD; Whyte, Ellen M. MD; O'Donnell, Lynn RN, CRRN; Penrod, Louis MD; Lenze, Eric J. MD, 'Do Clinical Rehabilitation Education Programs Really Improve Stroke-Related Knowledge', ''American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.'' 87(8):637-641, August 2008 [http://www.amjphysmedrehab.com/pt/re/ajpmr/abstract.00002060-200808000-00004.htm;jsessionid=JdJCH1p7v1scS82nKnFtMqqLQFR3PyqN9vFxBW0DHHXQ7cWGKKtT!1285625425!181195628!8091!-1]</ref>

== Notable Clients ==
[[Rite Aid Corporation]]<br>
[[Royal and Sunalliance]]<br>
[[Bristol-Myers Squibb]]<br>
[[Merck]]<br>
[[Komen Foundation]]<br>
[[Novartis]]<br>
[[Talecris Biotherapeutics]]<br>
[[National Institutes of Health]]<br>
[[National Institute on Aging]]<br>
[[National Institute of Mental Health]]<br>
[[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]]<br>
[[UPMC]]<br>
[[University of Pittsburgh]]<br>
[[Cornell University]]<br>

== Training ==
Fox Learning Systems develops web based e-learning training.  The company has a focus on elder care but has created learning content for other medical related fields. Fox Learning Systems bases its training through a hybrid of [[multimedia]] and video presentations. Their programs are broken down into chapters after which a multimedia test is given and tracked on a [[Learning Management System]]. The tracking is reported to staff and managers to see if employees maintain the education and skills to remain compliant.

== Rite Aid Partnership ==
In January of 2008, Rite Aid Corporation and Fox Learning Systems entered into an educational partnership. This partnership allowed Rite Aid to host and distribute Fox Learning Systems "Eldercare Family Center" series of training modules. As of November 11, 2008 Rite Aid is hosting these training modules on its website under the campaign "Rite Aid Giving Care for Parents".<ref>Rite Aid Offers Help to Stressed Caregivers [http://www.riteaid.com/company/news/news_details.jsf?itemNumber=1086]</ref>

== Digital Video Production ==
Fox Learning Systems currently employs a full-time [[video production]] facility<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_84007.html|title=Fox Learning promotes, adds staff |date=August 4, 2002 |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>. The video production department is responsible for creating the content for training sessions. This department also does outside projects for the medical community.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.foxlearningsystems.com Official Website]
*[http://giving-care.riteaid.com/giving-care/ Rite Aid Giving Care for Parents]
*[http://www.accupsych.com AccuPsych Website]
*[http://www.eldercarefamilycenter.com Elder Care Family Center Website]
[[Category:Video production companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]