Virtual reality triage training provides a viable solution for disaster-preparedness.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Simulation Training

Background:

• Disaster triage training is crucial for emergency medicine (EM) residents.
• Comparing simulation modalities like virtual reality (VR) and standardized patients (SP) is essential for effective training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the impact of VR versus SP simulation on EM residents' disaster triage skills using the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) algorithm.
• To determine if these methods differentiate between learners of varying experience levels.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen EM residents (PGY1-PGY4) were randomized into VR or SP groups.
• Both groups trained in identical mass disaster scenarios, with VR using virtual patients and SP using live actors.
• Triage performance and START algorithm knowledge (pre/post) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Pre-test knowledge scores were similar between VR and SP groups.
• No significant difference was found in triage performance between the two groups during the drills.
• A trend favored the SP group in post-test knowledge scores.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality (VR) is a feasible and comparable alternative to standardized patient (SP) drills for mass disaster triage training.
• VR offers consistent, on-demand training on a repeatable platform, valuable for developing assessment standards.
• Both methods showed potential in differentiating learner experience, though further analysis may be needed.