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Published on: August 9, 2010
Teaching mass casualty triage skills using immersive three-dimensional virtual reality
Dale S Vincent1, Andrei Sherstyuk, Lawrence Burgess
1Telehealth Research Institute, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA. dvincent@hawaii.edu
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) training significantly improved mass casualty triage skills in novice learners. Participants showed enhanced speed, accuracy, and self-efficacy in identifying patient needs and resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Emergency Medicine
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Traditional mass casualty triage training methods have limitations.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and potentially more effective training environments.
- Assessing the efficacy of VR for developing critical triage skills is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the acquisition of mass casualty triage skills in novice learners using a VR environment.
- To evaluate improvements in speed, accuracy, and self-efficacy after VR training.
- To compare VR simulation with traditional training methods for triage competency.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four medical students received triage training via podcasts and an immersive VR exercise.
- Participants used a head-mounted display and motion sensors to interact with simulated patients.
- Triage and intervention scores, completion times, and self-efficacy were measured and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Triage and intervention scores significantly improved from Scenario B onwards (p < 0.001).
- Time to complete triage scenarios decreased significantly with each iteration.
- Self-efficacy increased in prioritizing treatment, resources, and identifying high-risk patients.
Conclusions:
- Novice learners demonstrated significant improvements in triage and intervention skills through iterative VR training.
- Fully immersive VR environments enhance the acquisition of critical decision-making skills in emergency scenarios.
- VR training is a viable tool for improving speed, accuracy, and confidence in mass casualty triage.
