Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Simulation Training as a Supplement to Traditional Simulation Training for...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation Technology
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• High-quality neonatal resuscitation (NR) requires proficient technical and nontechnical skills.
• Simulation-based training improves NR performance but faces limitations in resources and frequency.
• Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential scalable solution for NR training, yet European data is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if immersive VR simulation, supplementing traditional mannequin-based training, improves NR performance in Danish doctors and nurses.
• Assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and usability of VR-enhanced NR training in a clinical education setting.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, randomized controlled superiority trial (NEONATAL study) with a pretest-posttest design.
• 66 resident doctors and neonatal nurses randomized to traditional NR training or traditional training plus immersive VR simulation.
• Outcomes assessed at baseline and 6-8 weeks using standardized scenarios, validated tools, and questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Participant recruitment completed (66 enrolled) between October and December 2025.
• Data collection finished in February 2026; analysis ongoing, with results expected autumn 2026.
• The study will provide data on the effectiveness, feasibility, and usability of supplementary VR simulation for NR training.

Conclusions:

• The NEONATAL study addresses a critical need in neonatal resuscitation education.
• Immersive VR simulation shows promise as a supplementary tool to enhance traditional NR training methods.