How Virtual Reality is redefining healthcare training

In recent years, Virtual Reality has emerged as an innovative and transformative tool in a variety of fields, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Thus, this cutting-edge technology is redefining the way healthcare professionals are educated and trained.

The ability to create immersive environments and accurate simulations allows surgeons, doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and other professionals to gain skills and experience without putting real patients at risk.

When we think of training a healthcare professional, we visualise textbooks, videos and hands-on time, but the question is whether this is enough. As Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation at Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education in the United States, says, “We are using 21st century tools in a 20th century learning environment.

The ability of Virtual Reality to create immersive environments and accurate simulations allows the acquisition of skills and experience without putting real patients at risk and facilitates the translation of learned theories and concepts into clinical experiences. Therefore, VR does not replace the role of the teacher, but complements it.

It should be borne in mind that these training courses are not only aimed at students, but also at professionals who are looking to renew themselves and acquire new knowledge through new technologies. Therefore, Virtual Reality, in turn, provides that point of recycling that professionals need.

Until a few years ago, the only way to get practice in the management of health emergencies was to recreate such situations. While this solution covers the basic needs, it also has certain limitations, as it does not allow for experiencing the different emotions that these situations generate, such as real pressure or the consequences of malpractice.

Today, thanks to Virtual Reality, both students and emergency responders can see, hear, feel and interact in real time, exposing them to high-pressure situations where every second counts.

This training also considerably reduces the money spent on training. As an example of this, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) conducted a study in which two hospital evacuation training sessions were conducted, one using Virtual Reality and the other using a live disaster exercise with mannequins. The cost per participant ended up being $230 with Virtual Reality, while with the live exercise it was $327.

Responding to cardiac arrest, haemorrhage or choking are basic first aid response techniques that paralyse the general population.

Thanks to Virtual Reality, it is possible to practice and train in a stress-free environment without real-life consequences, preparing users for unexpected real-life emergency situations.

Moreover, this technology makes it possible to virtualise different scenarios that put users to the test. For example, when performing CPR, it is necessary to take into account that a child’s airways are more fragile than those of an adult, or to know the techniques to be used with a pregnant woman in order not to harm the foetus.

Interaction with virtual patients improves the communication skills of healthcare staff and the relationship with both patients and their companions.

This is especially useful for dealing with difficult situations, such as giving bad news, or for being able to deal optimally with aggressive, nervous or angry patients.

Virtual Reality allows surgeons to practice surgical procedures in a virtual environment. These simulations can replicate various situations and complications that might arise during real surgery, providing a rich and varied learning experience.

This not only improves surgeons’ technical skills, but also makes them better prepared to deal with unexpected situations in the operating theatre.

In conclusion, Virtual Reality is revolutionising the field of healthcare training in previously unthinkable ways. From simulating surgical procedures and improving communication skills, to training doctors, nurses and nursing assistants, this technology offers innovative and effective solutions.

On the other hand, thanks to its ability to replicate clinical situations and health emergencies safely and efficiently, Virtual Reality is emerging as an essential component in the future of training and healthcare, optimising resources and significantly improving the quality of life of patients.

At Innovae | VRFP, we already have numerous Virtual Reality simulators designed specifically for healthcare training. Among others, we have contents aimed at training in Nursing Assistants and Social and Health Care, in procedures for the correct performance of X-rays, CAT scans and MRI scans, as well as in oral hygiene and health emergencies.