Using Virtual Reality (VR) Mock-Ups for Evidence-Based Healthcare Facility Design Decisions

(1) Background: There are many complexities and trade-offs that design teams consider when designing or renovating a built environment for healthcare. Virtual reality (VR) mock-ups can allow design teams to evaluate the planned design. This study aimed to examine the overall value of using VR mock-ups to conduct a simulation-based mock-up evaluation. (2) Methods: Data collected from scenario enactments within a VR mock-up was compared to data collected from an existing medication room with the same design to assess predictive validity. Outcomes regarding quality and patient safety were also examined as a result of design modifications to the VR mock-up which were identified through a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of the existing medication room. Survey data from participants, hospital design stakeholders, and POE recommendation recipients captured perceptions regarding the evaluation process. Specifically, this included perceptions regarding mock-up and scenario realism as well as utility of the evaluation process. (3) Results: Evidence-based data collected using the VR mock-up accurately assessed workflow (link analysis), bumps, impediments, interruptions, and task completion times. Collecting data pertaining to selection errors and equipment placement were identified after procuring the VR software and therefore the accuracy of these measures was not assessed. Searching behaviours were not possible to capture using the VR software. A 506% return on investment was achieved through the VR mock-up evaluations. (4) Conclusion: Organizations should consider what evaluation objectives are planned and how they will be measured for a mock-up evaluation to determine if VR is appropriate.