A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Patient Safety and Nurses' Body Awareness Using Motion-Capture-Linked Avatars

This study aimed to explore the ongoing possibilities of motion-capture-linked avatars in patient safety education, with the goal of enhancing nurses' body awareness, thereby improving patient safety and nontechnical skills. Six nurses with an average experience of 29.0 ± 4.8 years participated in this pilot, exploratory qualitative study. Actual situations using avatars were initially demonstrated through video. Participants subsequently wore mobile motion-capture devices, with responses obtained through interviews and questionnaires based on their experience using the avatars. Qualitative content analysis was conducted, and the responses were organized into the following three themes: usability of the avatars as a new technology, promoting body awareness, and patient safety using avatars. The findings showed that avatars enabled nurses to learn about body movements without the need to identify specific individuals, while protecting their privacy and surroundings. However, using avatars alone was insufficient to fully convey the situation. Verbalizing the avatar's movements was also found to be important. This study indicates that motion capture and avatars can contribute to new patient safety education through physical awareness when employed in nursing situations. The movement-based knowledge sharing gained through this new approach (avatars) can contribute to improving nursing management quality.