International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly served as a catalyst for adaptation of effective delivery of medical education, paving the way for the adoption of novel teaching methods [1]. Simulation based education (SBE) has been no exception, with increased delivery of SBE through immersive, virtual mediums such as head mounted displays (HMD) to create a three-dimensional (3D) environment.

Simulation is a vital part of the mandatory foundation programme (FP) learning requirement [2]. Our team incorporated synchronous in-person and online virtual reality simulation (VRS) sessions into the foundation doctor (FD) teaching programme at a single trust and supplemented this with additional, facilitated in-person small group 3D VRS sessions.

Methods:

Mixed quantitative and qualitative feedback was obtained from FD through online surveys, which included aspects of the SET-M tool [3]. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with a purposeful group of FD attending facilitated small group VRS sessions. Interviews were conducted over a sixteen-week period at eight-weekly intervals, with a baseline interview conducted at week zero. Qualitative data obtained were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results:

Learners expressed that VRS sessions improved their confidence in clinical assessment, decision-making, and management of similar real-life scenarios as well as in the provision of interventions which foster patient safety. Moreover, feedback highlighted that the VRS modality fits well into their current teaching programme, is a format that they wanted more regularly incorporated into their learning and one which they would prioritize attendance at. Feedback also outlined some challenges with this modality; namely accessibility and technological troubleshooting.

Conclusion:

Our work highlights the value and associated challenges of using VRS in FP education. There is a strongly positive reception amongst learners in our cohort, a call for more exposure and, vitally, a transferability of learning into real-life practice.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.