A pilot study of a virtual reality-based simulation platform for Neonatal Resuscitation Program training.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Neonatal Resuscitation
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Neonatal resuscitation requires specialized training.
• Traditional training methods may have limitations in realism and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel neonatal-specific virtual reality (VR) simulation platform for resuscitation training.
• To assess the initial feasibility and reception of this VR platform in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Main Methods:

• Development of a custom VR model simulating a neonatal resuscitation scenario.
• Individualized training sessions for neonatal providers using the VR platform.
• Post-training surveys to gather feedback on feasibility and reception.

Main Results:

• Thirty-eight neonatal providers participated.
• The VR platform was well-received, with 97% willing to use it again and 95% recommending it.
• 70.3% found VR more realistic than traditional methods; however, 40.5% reported adverse effects like eye strain.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal providers expressed strong enthusiasm for VR training.
• The VR platform shows promise for neonatal resuscitation education.
• Further research with larger samples and comparative studies is necessary to validate VR's effectiveness.