Virtual reality supported simulation training for healthcare personnel
Master thesis
Permanent lenke
https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3020302Utgivelsesdato
2022Metadata
Vis full innførselSamlinger
Sammendrag
Sørlandet sykehus helseforetak suggested a thesis to design a virtual reality (VR) application with360-degree videos to be used as an educational tool for training psychiatric healthcare personnel inhandling aggressive and suicidal patients. This study aims to find the advantages of using interactiveVR scenarios as a supplement to simulation training by developing an application using humancentred design. The article explores how an educational VR application can be designed usinghuman-centred design, the advantages and challenges of using it as a tool for learning, and nurses’satisfaction with the application.
Simulation training is used in healthcare education and training because it allows participants toactively train in challenging situations while remaining in a safe environment. However, because ofthe time investment and organisational constraints related to simulation training, the use of VR asa possible supplement is currently being researched and explored by Norwegian hospitals.
The present research study utilised a mixed-method approach comprised of the usability testingmethod, combining observations and interviews, and a survey to answer the research questions. Theobservations and interviews mainly focused on exploring the design, advantages, and challenges ofthe application in healthcare training. The survey focused on exploring satisfaction levels. Thisresulted in two interactive VR scenarios that train psychiatric healthcare personnel in handlinga suicidal patients and threats from an aggressive patients.The application was developed usingPremiere Pro, Audition, and Unity, which resulted in an active learning environment where usersdirectly affect the outcomes of scenarios.
The advantages of the application are related to its affordability, its use as a learning tool forexperiential and affective learning, and its use as a mediator for peer learning. The disadvantagesof the application are related to the immersion of experienced healthcare personnel in the topics,the time investment for developing such an application, and the fact that it may not adequatelysufficiently replace physical scenarios. Lastly, the application was satisfying based on the healthcareworkers’ responses.
Future research could explore the research’s advantages and challenges in depth to re-evaluate theirimportance in healthcare training or in other fields. For example, future research could directlytest interactive VR simulations in simulation training or test whether it promotes peer learning.Exploring interactive VR scenarios in different cultures and professions could also result in differentsatisfaction levels.