About the project
Importance and relevance of the project
VR training simulations (VRS) are on the verge of becoming an absolutely mass product. It is becoming a new way to develop skills in many areas. With VRS, we can immerse people in a virtual environment so that they can gain practical experience in their profession before they begin to put their knowledge into practice. Especially in healthcare education VR is a new technology that allows researchers and teachers to simulate different learning scenarios in a less costly and elaborate way. Compared to traditional methods, virtual reality makes it easier to change the smallest parameters of nursing and caretaking training. It also allows the lecturer to use more accurate methods of assessment and result analysis. It is crucial for them to be able to practice their nursing skills in a reliable and safe way. VR training gives us the opportunity to safely immerse the students into the process as much as possible so that they are as ready as possible to treat real patients.
Project background
The DTNET project was implemented against a backdrop of significant challenges in nursing education and training within the EU, particularly in efforts to further improve the quality of teaching and learning for healthcare professionals.
One of the primary reasons for the project’s inception was the inherent limitation of traditional education methods. Conventional training can’t immerse students and simulate real-life medical scenarios and conditions in a controlled, risk-free environment. The increasing complexity of patient care and the rapid evolution of medical technologies also spurred the need for DTNET. Virtual realty (VR) presents a unique opportunity to create such simulations, offering a level of realism and interactivity not always achievable through conventional tools.
However, the integration of VR in nursing education in Europe was lagging compared to North America and Asia, where VR in healthcare training was becoming more commonplace. This discrepancy highlighted the need for a concerted effort to bring European nursing education up to cope with new global standards.
The inception was driven by a pressing need for broader use of the breakthrough opportunities offered by immersive VR digital technology.
Project results overview
The DTNET project outputs is a mix of theory and practice thoroughly combined in four documents, called Digitisation Guidelines, a VR Demonstration Application (VRDA), two VRS-based training modules, and the VRNET Expert multimedia training course. All of it is available in five European languages: English, German, Swedish, Lithuanian and Latvian.
At the project’s first stage, we carried out a comprehensive desk research with a subsequent analysis of best practice in VR\MR\XR-based medical training simulation. We described the common practice in design and development of digital educational products. This was aligned with the existing training goals and involved an in-depth analysis of digital skills necessary for VR development and operation. The nursing curricula of partner institutions (Austria, Lithuania & Sweden) have been thoroughly analysed in order to determine the areas and\or modules where the implementation of VR simulations would be justified and necessary. We paid our particular attention to the topics that could be chosen for the upcoming development of the DTNET VR-based training modules. The state-of-the-art educational methods and tools for the implementation of VR-based training simulation have been listed, analysed and aligned to the project goals. The up-to-date VR learning applications and previous VRS-prototypes were found, listed and evaluated. Finally, we bundled up our recommendations in the Digitisation Guidelines I.
Based on the elaborated Methodology, we sketched the protocol for collaboration between teaching personnel, medical professionals, and software developers. It consitutes the Digitisation Guidelines II. It discribes the steps made by us and reflects methods and tools for product development, incl. role and tasks of product owner and involved team-members, required didactic support, stages of scenario development and application design. While working on a digital prototype of VR Demonstration Application (VRDA) and DTNET VR training modules, we’ve been testing the protocol and keeping it up-to-date.
The data obtained during the first two stages of the project formed its theoretical and practical basis. The development of the VR Demonstration Application (VRDA) was a significant milestone. We thouroughly described the entire process in the Digitisation Guidelines III. While working on the VRDA, we’ve developed procedures for analysis of VR Apps’ technical functionality. This was crucial for aligning them with strict educational standards and given technical specifications. It involved extensive piloting, incorporating feedback from user experience (UX) surveys conducted at partner institutions. The development team also was committed to ensure the optimal UX. This feedback was beneficial for the development of the final version of the VRDA and the DTNET VR App as well.
The VR Simulation created by the partnership constitutes the digital component of the DTNET project. In order to align VR experiences with existing nursing courses, the scenarios chosen for the DTNET VR App had to meet the following criteria:
- Be part of the training programmes for the partner organisations involved in the subsequent piloting.
- Clearly demonstrate the capabilities of VR technology.
- Align with the technical capabilities of the project development team (limited time and financial resources).
Based on this criteria two scenarios have been chosen and subsequently crafted in VR:
- Myocardial infarction case
- Diabetes consultation
Thus, the cohesive educational approach was ensured through haptically tangible learning scenarios. Both scenario cases involve realistic patient simulations with detailed dialogues and actions. During multiple testing sessions, we’ve collected necessary data about the UI/UX. Feedback was categorised, used for continuous improvement, and performance optimisation. Scenarios as well as the DTNET VR App menu are localised, i.e. translated into five European languages. We also invited a qualified UX designer to ensure the user-friendly operational experience. The DTNET VR App represents a significant advancement in nursing education technology. By integrating it into nursing curricula, we’re not only enhancing learning experiences but also aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The next output comprises recommendations for integrating VR simulation-based training modules into the curriculum and/or teaching and learning, based on the partner’s implementation experience and an empirical study on the impact of VR simulations in various educational settings. They are based on the results of the piloting carried out by the Utena University of Applied Science (Lithuania) and P.Stradins Medical College of the University of Latvia (PSK), in June and September, 2023. We conduct an empirical study and incorporated evidence-based practices. Initially planned with around 30 students and 5–7 teachers, we successfully increased participant numbers to approximately 100 people by the end of the project implementation, all of whom tried the DTNET VR App at least once. Utena UAS developed the Guidelines, incorporating results from their own testing sessions as well as those conducted at PSK. Besides, the data were enhanced with feedback from multiple open presentations held in Latvia, Sweden, and Germany in 2023. We hope that this document becomes a valuable asset for educators looking to enhance their teaching routines with VR-based training apps, drawing on insights from the DTNET Project.
The outcomes of all previous efforts were combined into a comprehensive training course that we called VR in Nursing Education & Training (VRNET) Expert. Its goal is not only to provide general information about the history and practice of using VR-based training simulations in education but also to give specific instructions on how to integrate them into educational programs. Additionally, the course focuses on the process of developing digital educational products, especially the practice of interaction among various specialists. The course is free to use. To start it, click the button at the top navigation bar.