Reason for this project
In their first year, doctors in training learn basic resuscitation, which they must repeat annually. Organising these repeat lessons takes a lot of time and requires a precise schedule in order to make the necessary time, rooms, and lecturers available. How can virtual reality solve this problem?
Resuscitation is taught during the first year of medicine via the classic model of applying chest compressions and rescue breaths to a CPR doll in small groups. This skill should be repeated every year to maintain a good command of the protocol. These repeat lessons are taught in a similar manner, but take a lot of time, space and availability from lecturers.
The national police force makes use of a virtual reality programme for teaching police officers CPR. With a few adjustments, such as adding stress and distraction elements, the VR app that the national police force uses can also be used in the medicine programme. This implementation will then ensure a reduced use of lecturers and cheaper education. Furthermore, it can provide a higher learning yield, because students can plan their repeat lesson whenever they see fit. The expectation is that a repeat lesson using the VR app will be just as good as the classic model.
Approach within the project
The current VR module that the national police force uses for their repeat training forms the basis of this new module. Together with a fellow researcher, Edward Tan will make adjustments so that the module fits the repeat lessons of medicine students. This version is subsequently assessed on medical correctness, user friendliness, and realism by a group of medical experts. Educational experts and members of the target audience will also assess the module through structured interviews. Afterwards, the new module will be revised, and a pilot study will be conducted. To conclude the assessment, a prospective randomised research project will take place in which students receive either the VR education, or the classic model. The latter serves as the control group.
Financiering
This project is funded by a TLC-voucher from the Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre. That voucher programme has the goal to set up projects in the field of educational innovation, lecturer development and educational research.
Contact information
Edward Tan would love to tell you more about this voucher project via edward.tan [at] radboudumc.nl.