Utilization of a Voice-Based Virtual Reality Advanced Cardiac Life Support Team Leader Refresher: Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background The incidence of cardiac arrests per year in the United States continues to increase, yet in-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates significantly vary between hospitals. Current methods of training are expensive, time consuming, and difficult to scale, which necessitates improvements in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training. Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as an alternative or adjunct to high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in several environments. No evaluations to date have explored the ability of a VR program to examine both technical and behavioral skills and demonstrate a cost comparison. Objective This study aimed to explore the utility of a voice-based VR ACLS team leader refresher as compared with HFS. Methods This prospective observational study performed at an academic institution consisted of 25 postgraduate year 2 residents. Participants were randomized to HFS or VR training and then crossed groups after a 2-week washout. Participants were graded on technical and nontechnical skills. Participants also completed self-assessments about the modules. Proctors were assessed for fatigue and task saturation, and cost analysis based on local economic data was performed. Results A total of 23 of 25 participants were included in the scoring analysis. Fewer participants were familiar with VR compared with HFS (9/25, 36% vs 25/25, 100%; P<.001). Self-reported satisfaction and utilization scores were similar; however, significantly more participants felt HFS provided better feedback: 99 (IQR 89-100) vs 79 (IQR 71-88); P<.001. Technical scores were higher in the HFS group; however, nontechnical scores for decision making and communication were not significantly different between modalities. VR sessions were 21 (IQR 19-24) min shorter than HFS sessions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index scores for proctors were lower in each category, and VR sessions were estimated to be US $103.68 less expensive in a single-learner, single-session model. Conclusions Utilization of a VR-based team leader refresher for ACLS skills is comparable with HFS in several areas, including learner satisfaction. The VR module was more cost-effective and was easier to proctor; however, HFS was better at delivering feedback to participants. Optimal education strategies likely contain elements of both modalities. Further studies are needed to examine the utility of VR-based environments at scale.

The use of simulation in liver transplantation anesthesiology fellowship training: A survey of fellowship program directors in the United States

“…Conversely, when possible, departmental simulation labs may permit trainees and faculty more flexible access to simulation materials and also allow the accumulation of specialty‐specific auxiliary equipment, such as rapid infusion devices and central line insertion task trainers. While not yet widely available, virtual and augmented reality techniques may soon offer an alternative to traditional brick‐and‐mortar simulation centers, especially for departments with limited access to a wide range of simulation materials 15 …”

Diseño de entrenamientos en realidad virtual inmersiva para cirugía endoscópica

“…En esta formación, los especialistas participan en el tratamiento de pacientes que son víctimas de parada cardiopulmonar o que presentan emergencias cardiovasculares -ACLS. Según (Katz et al, 2020), el costo de la simulación de realidad virtual para el entrenamiento de ACLS también fue un 83% menor que el costo de la simulación basada en un maniquí. Sin embargo, según los mismos autores, la capacitación de ACLS, basada en la realidad virtual, requería la mitad del tiempo para que los estudiantes la completaran y solo el 25% del personal necesitaba ejecutar simulaciones de realidad virtual, en comparación con la simulación de ACLS tradicional.…”

Ready Medic One: A Feasibility Study of a Semi-Autonomous Virtual Reality Trauma Simulator

“…Both traditional mannequin-based and VR medical simulations are valuable for medical training. VR simulators appear to provide a promising learning strategy over time for refreshing clinical skills and training courses; given the flexibility and practicality, VR simulation requires less time for learners to complete the training and is more cost-effective as fewer resources are required for the setup such as space and faculty workload (Erlinger et al, 2019;Katz et al, 2020). Due to the feeling of immersion and realism of the environment and simulation, other studies also indicate that people training in VR improve cognitive learning and have lower performance errors and higher accuracy than other training platforms in different medical groups based on their individual and collective needs (Vincent et al, 2008;Pourmand et al, 2017;Samadbeik et al, 2018).…”