Virtual Reality in Medical Training

Abstract Description

Presentation Upload :

Authors (including presenting author) :

KWAN HHL(1), SIN KC(1), CHUNG TCT(2), LAM LYM(2), MA KCL(2), NG GWY(2), SO EHK(2), CHIA NH(2)

Affiliation :

(1)Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong,(2)Multi-disciplinary Simulation and Skills Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong

Introduction :

Every year, our new doctors have to master a few basic medical procedures before working in the field. Type and screen is one of them and there simply is no place for mistakes due to the catastrophic consequences. Traditional procedural training and didactic lecture, however, are regarded as monotonous, labour and equipment intensive, hence compromising the quality and quantity of learning. Knowing that virtual reality has been reaching quite far and wide in the medical industry in recent years, we are inspired to develop a virtual reality program on this simple yet important procedure. It offers a 3D and dynamic environment for learning and an unlimited number of practices, with opportunities for real-life interaction without real-life adverse consequences.

Objectives :

Objective: To study if virtual reality is an interesting and effective way of learning in the medical field. Aims: (1) To provide more access to medical training (2) To enhance effectiveness in training (3) To improve patient safety and quality of care

Methodology :

In October 2018 and January 2019, a total of 72 interns with experience in the traditional type and screen training received the newly developed virtual reality training of this procedure at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. A standardised evaluation questionnaire was distributed to them at the end of the training and items in the questionnaire were rated using the Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Frequencies or percentages of responses in each category were used for analysis.

Result & Outcome :

60 out of 72 interns (83%) agreed that virtual reality makes learning more interesting and 78% agreed that it gives them more initiatives to learn. Another 78% agreed that virtual reality helps them familiarise with the steps in type and screen more easily, while 79% agreed that the virtual reality simulated environment enhances their concentration while learning. Virtual reality in medical training appears to be interesting and effective, thereby improving accuracy in various medical procedures and safeguarding patient safety. Its development is going to offer huge opportunities in the fast-paced and high-pressure medical field. With this technology, we are not far from learning and practising anytime, anywhere.