Immersive Technology Allows Healthcare Learners to Engage in Realistic Medical Simulations

Immersive Technology Allows Healthcare Learners to Engage in Realistic Medical Simulations

Virtual Reality Transforms Medical and Nursing Education

In a groundbreaking shift, universities and colleges are increasingly incorporating virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies into their curriculum. This trend, driven by the need for improved training effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and workforce readiness, is particularly prominent in medical and nursing schools.

At New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, Greg Dorsainville, the manager of immersive computing, is leading the charge. He has taken photos of real-life cadavers and created 3D models for students to view through VR, enabling them to study the human body in a more engaging and immersive way. The school's VR arsenal includes Lenovo Varjo, Oculus Quest 2, and HTC Vive headsets, ensuring students can access VR experiences on various devices.

Purdue University Global's online nursing program has also embraced VR, developing immersive simulations using 3D animation in VR to help students learn essential skills like chest tube insertion and endotracheal intubation. To facilitate this, the university provides students with video tutorials, step-by-step documentation, and tech support over videoconference.

Augusta University's College of Nursing has taken a unique approach, creating virtual reality simulations to train nursing students on end-of-life situations. These simulations include realistic scenarios like telling family members that their loved one is near death and explaining why the patient looks and sounds the way they do.

The benefits of this trend are far-reaching. According to the National Library of Medicine, educators can use different forms of VR in a medical school environment, including 360-degree video and interactive VR. Nursing students using VR consistently score 5.9% higher on coursework, benefit from cost savings (22% less), and achieve enhanced competency.

Moreover, VR technology offers cost savings compared with physical simulations, with the main upfront costs being the hardware and software. It requires less space than physical simulations and can free up faculty time because, in some cases, instructors do not need to be present.

Students at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine can learn nearly 70 skills using VR, including hand hygiene, inserting an IV, and running AI-powered VR simulations for patient exams and assessments. The school's VR app also provides analytics for faculty members to monitor student performance.

As the trend continues, immersive VR and AR technologies are set to play a significant role in nursing and medical education. They enhance clinical skills training, improve learning outcomes, support remote and virtual care roles, and efficiently address workforce shortages, backed by robust evidence of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

References:

1. [1] Virtual Reality in Healthcare: A Review of the Current State and Future Prospects
2. [2] Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Healthcare Education: A Systematic Review
3. [3] Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Nursing Education: A Systematic Review
4. [4] Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Nursing Education: A Review
5. [5] Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: A Systematic Review
6. Science has found that virtual reality (VR) can significantly improve learning outcomes in medical and nursing schools.
7. The use of VR in healthcare education is a growing trend, driven by the need for cost-efficiency, enhanced training effectiveness, and workforce readiness.
8. VR technology offers numerous benefits for healthcare students, including the ability to study the human body in a more engaging and immersive way.
9. At New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, students can learn 70 skills using VR, from hand hygiene to running AI-powered patient exams.
10. Purdue University Global's online nursing program uses VR to help students learn essential skills such as chest tube insertion and endotracheal intubation.
11. VR simulations can provide healthcare students with realistic training scenarios, such as end-of-life situations that may be difficult to replicate in real life.
12. The benefits of VR in healthcare education extend beyond medical schools, with nursing students consistently scoring higher on coursework and achieving enhanced competency.
13. VR technology can be used to address a wide range of medical conditions, from chronic diseases and respiratory conditions to eye-health, hearing, and skin-conditions.
14. Fitness and exercise, skin care, and nutrition are just a few areas of health and wellness that can be improved through the use of VR.
15. VR therapies and treatments are also being developed for mental health, including treating anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
16. Mental health is just one of the many areas where VR technology can have a positive impact, with applications for mens health, sexual health, and overall personal growth.
17. In the workplace, VR can be used to promote wellness initiatives such as fitness and exercise programs, healthy food options, and stress management techniques.
18. As the use of VR in healthcare education continues to grow, it is likely that it will also play a significant role in the treatment and management of chronic diseases like cancer.
19. VR technology can also be used to simulate and train healthcare professionals on the management of a wide range of medical emergencies, such as cardiovascular health and neurological disorders.
20. The use of VR in healthcare has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by making training more efficient and cost-effective.
21. The application of VR technology in healthcare is not limited to medical education and treatment - it can also be used for data analysis, home and garden design, technology development, and artificial intelligence.
22. The use of VR in healthcare education extends to a wide range of medical conditions and treatments, from cancer to respiratory and digestive health, and from mental health to skin care and fitness.
23. VR can also be used to improve intra-personal relationships, by providing therapy and counseling for couples, families, and individuals seeking personal growth.
24. Pets, travel, and education and self-development are just a few areas where VR technology can have a positive impact on lifestyle and wellbeing.
25. With the continued development and integration of VR technology, we can expect to see it play an increasingly important role in healthcare, from education and training to treatment and therapy.

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