Novice learners' perspectives on obstetric airway crisis decision-making training using virtual reality simulation

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Obstetric difficult airway management training is often inadequate due to rare real-life crisis opportunities.
• Traditional simulation training is resource-intensive, limiting frequent practice.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential solution to supplement existing training curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of a VR simulation for training novice learners in managing obstetric airway crises.
• To assess resident perceptions of VR as a tool for improving decision-making skills under stress.

Main Methods:

• A pilot qualitative study involving 21 novice anesthesia residents.
• Development of a VR simulation scenario focused on obstetric airway crisis management.
• Pre- and post-simulation interviews to assess learning needs and VR tool perspectives, followed by thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Pre-VR interviews revealed curriculum gaps, low confidence in managing obstetric difficult airways, and awareness of simulation resource intensity.
• Post-VR interviews indicated VR's effectiveness in practicing decision-making under stress.
• Residents suggested improvements such as enhanced audio-visual quality and future integration of haptic feedback and multiplayer capabilities.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation demonstrates advantages and potential as an intervention to address educational gaps in obstetric difficult airway management.
• Specific areas for improvement were identified to optimize the effectiveness of future VR simulation implementations.