Performance Support Toolkit dashboard diagram showing the Workflow Process Map, Documentation Quality Checklist, and Manager Coaching Toolkit connected to a central hub
Featured Project

Reducing Prior Authorization Documentation Errors

Performance Support Toolkit for Healthcare Utilization Management

A SecureHealth Insurance case study, the fictional health insurance company also featured in the PHI Under Attack project, showcases how instructional design can extend beyond course development to solve real workplace performance challenges. Using Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles, I created an integrated toolkit of performance support resources to help employees apply documentation standards accurately within their daily workflow.

Audience

SecureHealth utilization management employees who complete prior authorization documentation, and the supervisors who coach them.

Tools

Figma, Claude AI, HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Responsibilities

Performance consulting, workflow analysis, root cause analysis, performance support design, UX design, job aid development, coaching toolkit design

The Challenge

When employees know the rules but the workflow gets in the way

Quality assurance audits at the SecureHealth Insurance company have identified recurring documentation errors during the prior authorization review process. These inconsistencies resulted in rework, delayed determinations, and increased compliance risk. While employees understood the documentation requirements, they struggled to apply them consistently within a fast-paced, complex workflow.

Rather than recommending another traditional eLearning course, I approached the problem through a performance consulting lens. The analysis suggested that employees needed timely guidance and workflow support, not additional information.

My Approach

Support built into the workflow, not a one-time event

Using Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles, I designed a performance support toolkit that provides employees with the right information at the moment they need it. Instead of relying on a single training event, the solution integrates learning resources directly into the workflow to improve accuracy, confidence, and efficiency.

The project demonstrates how instructional design can extend beyond course development to improve on-the-job performance.

The Solution

Three resources, one performance support toolkit

Workflow Process Map

A process map that shows the entire prior authorization workflow and an interactive guide that helps employees perform a specific task. Employees can see exactly where they are in the process and drill into the specific documentation requirements, common documentation errors, and escalation paths for that step, reducing cognitive load and improving documentation consistency.

Prior Authorization Workflow tool showing five clickable steps from Authorization Request Received to Medical Director Review

Documentation Quality Checklist

A one-page checklist summarizing documentation requirements, common errors, and best practices. Designed for rapid reference while employees complete documentation, so they can quickly self-verify that quality standards have been met before closing a case.

Prior Authorization Documentation Quality Checklist showing five review sections, common errors, best practices, and a final quality check

Manager Coaching Toolkit

A structured coaching guide that helps supervisors reinforce documentation standards through observation checklists, coaching conversations, and follow-up planning.

Manager Coaching Toolkit overview screen showing why the toolkit matters and its impact on patient care, compliance, operational efficiency, and member experience
My Process

A performance consulting approach, not a course-first approach

  1. Identified the business problem through quality audit findings.
  2. Analyzed the workflow to determine where documentation errors occurred.
  3. Identified root causes contributing to inconsistent performance.
  4. Determined that workflow support, not additional training, would have the greatest impact.
  5. Designed a blended toolkit of performance support resources that reinforce learning during real work.

Design Process

Business Problem
Performance Analysis
Workflow Analysis
Root Cause Identification
Performance Support Strategy
Interactive Tools & Resources
Improved Documentation Accuracy
Expected Outcomes

What success looks like

Although this is a portfolio concept project, the solution is designed to support measurable business outcomes, including:

Why This Project Matters

Beyond the course

Traditional training often assumes that performance problems can be solved with more instruction. This project demonstrates a different approach, one that combines instructional design, performance consulting, and workflow support to help employees succeed in the moment of need.

By designing a complete performance support toolkit instead of a standalone course, this project illustrates how learning experiences can improve both employee performance and business outcomes in a healthcare insurance environment.