International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

Simulation is a technique employed to produce an experience without going through a real event ^[1], with different methods used to do this within a medical simulation. Virtual reality (VR) is the simulation of the world through a computer or device. VR has been used for procedural training and within medical education for a number of years ^[2].

Aim:

We had used 360 videos for remote simulation and debrief for over 3 years but as face-to-face sessions started to reoccur, we wondered whether we could use these videos to engage learners using VR headsets for short immersive sessions with a targeted debrief.

Methods:

We used unscripted 360-degree scenarios of Paediatric emergency simulations, loaded onto Occulus-Go VR headsets. Between November 2020 and May 2020, we ran sessions for the paediatric and obstetric teams in North Devon district hospital, where groups of up to five learners watched a scenario, followed by a debrief led by a facilitator. We explored its acceptability, immersion and whether the debrief enriched the session through collecting feedback.

Results:

We engaged 50 participants over 14 sessions. The majority of sessions occurred on night shifts. Twenty-nine staff including doctors, midwives, healthcare assistants and nurses gave feedback. All participants enjoyed the experience and wanted to do it again: 90% felt immersed and 97% enjoyed the debrief. A small minority found the experience strange and one had to stop watching because of motion sickness.

Implications for practice:

Virtual sim with headsets is time-efficient, requires no bedspace and was engaging enough to be requested during out of hours shifts. Feedback proved it to be immersive, safe and enjoyable. It is cost-effective (not needing large numbers of staff or expensive manikins) and the experience reproducible. It was accessible for those who had previously been scared of simulation as they did not feel ‘judged’ and therefore may be a valuable adjunct to engaging those who have not in the past. Debrief was vital and allowed active discussion of learners’ own experiences as well as an exploration of the medicine prompted by being immersed in the scenario. Virtual simulation using headsets and 360 videos gives learners an experience without going through the real event and we feel that it is a valuable tool for engaging teams in simulation education. Through this project have established standards that could help others engage in projects such as this.