Training scenario prototyping for VR‐based simulation of neonatal decision‐making

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a real-time system for virtual reality (VR)-based training in neonatal medicine, with main emphasis on simple creation of various training scenarios. This system combines an articulated 3D model of a virtual newborn with text-based descriptions of its physiological and behavioral responses, enabling medical experts to easily construct, simulate and revise an arbitrary postnatal critical situation. Afterwards, the resulting descriptions of newborn's behavior can be used for technical specifications (and even for automatic generation) of more complex behavioral models, such as finite-state automata.

A distributed virtual reality‐based system for neonatal decision‐making training

“…However, sharing the VRML scene permits only a partial consistency control. Considering the three-layer implementation of the VIDERO prototype [2], the highest layer is implemented in Java and cannot be synchronized through the mechanisms outlined in Reference [20]. On the other hand, Stansfield et al [13] considered synchronization through the UDP/TCP packet multicasting.…”

“…Each part of the body is controlled by one or more corresponding vital sign mechanisms. The current version simulates seven most crucial newborn's vital signs: breathing, heartbeat, colour of skin and lips, motion, crying, sobbing and facial mimics [2].…”

“…Following the VIDERO prototype scalable structure [2], four different services are currently implemented using Java Remote Method Invocation (RMI) [19]. Although this may not be an optimal solution (with respect to both the performance and network load), RMI is simple, quick and reliable.…”

“…The main focus of the work presented in Reference [2] is on simulation of the newborn's vital signs and on scalable definition of the training scenarios and interventions, while the issues of the trainee's immersion into the virtual environment (VE) and his interaction with virtual entities is mainly ignored. Indeed, there have been some studies reporting no special enhancement in students' performance when comparing immersive VEs to desktop simulations [1,3].…”

“…Recently, a prototype of a virtual reality (VR)-based system for neonatal resuscitation training called Virtual Delivery Room (VIDERO) [2] was developed. The prototype simulates a real delivery room with all the necessary medical devices (ECG and respiration rate monitor, radiant heater, stop watch, etc.)…”