Feasibility Evaluation of a Standalone Virtual Reality System for Neonatal Resuscitation Training

Maintaining competency in neonatal resuscitation requires repeated practice. However, equipment costs, space, and instructor availability constrain mannequin-based simulation. Standalone virtual reality (VR) training may improve access. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a standalone VR-based neonatal resuscitation training application (NCPR-VR) focused on positive-pressure ventilation, among already-certified perinatal healthcare professionals. This single-arm exploratory feasibility study involved 32 already-certified perinatal healthcare professionals (11 physicians, 14 nurses, and 7 midwives). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by session completion, self-reported usefulness/recommendation, System Usability Scale (SUS), User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), and Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ). Safety was monitored by Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and adverse event reporting. Analyses were limited to descriptive statistics. All 32 participants completed the VR session without adverse event-induced discontinuation (completion rate, 100%). Median perceived usefulness and willingness to recommend the application were both 5 (IQR, 4-5) on a 5-point Likert scale. The median SUS score was 65.0 (IQR, 55.0-73.1), indicating moderate usability. UEQ subscales showed favorable ratings for attractiveness, stimulation, and novelty. IPQ involvement was unsatisfactory and experienced realism only satisfactory; presence and spatial presence were acceptable. Simulator sickness was low (median SSQ, 1.9); three participants reported mild symptoms resolving within 10 min. No serious adverse events occurred. NCPR-VR was feasible and acceptable among already-certified providers, with full session completion and no serious adverse events. Involvement and experienced realism require improvement. Trial registration: UMIN000058975 (University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry; registered September 6, 2025).