Immersive virtual reality training: Addressing challenges and unlocking potentials

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Simulation-based training enhances healthcare professionals' skills and patient outcomes.
• Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is emerging as a promising tool in simulation-based training.
• Stakeholder perceptions of IVR in simulation and debriefing are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore enablers and barriers to using IVR in simulation-based training.
• To identify applied debriefing strategies for IVR in simulation.
• To understand stakeholder reception of IVR as a complex intervention.

Main Methods:

• Purposeful sampling of simulation directors, course leaders, and researchers.
• Observation and debriefing of an online IVR emergency training session.
• Individual semi-structured interviews analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with Normalization Process Theory.

Main Results:

• Five main themes emerged regarding IVR normalization: understanding, engagement, strategies in action, appraisal, and psychological safety.
• Identified factors supporting or impeding the integration of IVR in simulation-based training.
• Explored stakeholder perspectives on the practical application of IVR.

Conclusions:

• IVR offers distinct advantages and challenges for simulation-based training.
• Careful consideration of IVR's strengths and limitations is needed based on learning goals, audience, and context.
• Practical strategies can enhance learning within IVR simulation-based training.