Building capability through evidence-based learning for the sleep health industry.

PROBLEM

The Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) identified a gap in professional development for support professionals who sell and assist clients using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. While these roles are critical in supporting successful treatment outcomes, there was no structured learning program available to build the knowledge and skills required. 

The challenge was to develop a comprehensive learning program that combined clinical expertise with practical workplace skills. The content needed to provide a strong foundation in sleep health and CPAP therapy while also developing the communication and client support skills required to deliver effective, person-centred care. As the program is intended to become an industry certification in the future, accuracy, consistency, and quality were essential throughout the design and development process. 

SOLUTION

Strawberry Solutions partnered with the Australian Sleep Association and its clinical experts to design and develop a brand-new six-module online learning program. Through our learning design process, we worked collaboratively with subject matter experts to structure the curriculum, define learning outcomes, and create a logical progression of knowledge and skills that supports learners throughout their professional journey. 

Key components of the solution: 

• Collaborative curriculum design
  With no existing course content, the learning design process began with regular discussions with ASA’s SME committee to identify the knowledge and skills required across the program. The first conversations were used to map the six-module structure, giving SMEs a clear framework to build out the specialist content. A lead SME was nominated for each module to guide decisions and resolve areas of uncertainty, helping maintain accuracy and consistency throughout development. 
• Comprehensive learning program 
  Six interactive modules were developed covering sleep health, CPAP therapy, challenges and barries faced by CPAP users, and the practical skills required to support people undergoing treatment. 
• Scenario-based learning 
  Realistic client examples and workplace scenarios were embedded throughout the modules to help learners apply clinical knowledge in authentic situations and build confidence in supporting clients. 
• Assessment for workplace application 
  Knowledge assessments incorporated scenario-based questions that challenged learners to apply concepts and make decisions they are likely to encounter when working with clients. 
• Designed for future certification 
  The program was developed with a clear learning pathway to support the Australian Sleep Association’s future vision of establishing an industry-recognised certification. 

VALUE DELIVERED

The Australian Sleep Association now has a comprehensive digital learning program that establishes a consistent foundation of knowledge for support professionals working with CPAP therapy.

• Addresses an identified industry capability gap with structured, evidence-based education.  
• Creates a scalable professional development program that supports consistent practice across the industry.  
• Builds learner confidence through realistic workplace scenarios and practical application.  
• Provides a strong foundation for the future development of an industry-recognised certification.  

The result is a high-quality learning experience that combines clinical expertise with effective learning design to strengthen capability and improve support for people undergoing CPAP therapy.