Exploring User Needs in the Development of a Virtual Reality–Based Advanced Life Support Training Platform: Exploratory Usability Study

Abstract

Background Traditional methods of delivering Advanced Life Support (ALS) training and reaccreditation are resource-intensive and costly. Interactive simulations and gameplay using virtual reality (VR) technology can complement traditional training processes as a cost-effective, engaging, and flexible training tool. Objective This exploratory study aimed to determine the specific user needs of clinicians engaging with a new interactive VR ALS simulation (ALS-SimVR) application to inform the ongoing development of such training platforms. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with experienced clinicians (n=10, median age=40.9 years) following a single playthrough of the application. All clinicians have been directly involved in the delivery of ALS training in both clinical and educational settings (median years of ALS experience=12.4; all had minimal or no VR experience). Interviews were supplemented with an assessment of usability (using heuristic evaluation) and presence. Results The ALS-SimVR training app was well received. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five main areas of user needs that can inform future design efforts for creating engaging VR training apps: affordances, agency, diverse input modalities, mental models, and advanced roles. Conclusions This study was conducted to identify the needs of clinicians engaging with ALS-SimVR. However, our findings revealed broader design considerations that will be crucial in guiding future work in this area. Although aligning the training scenarios with accepted teaching algorithms is important, our findings reveal that improving user experience and engagement requires careful attention to technology-specific issues such as input modalities.

Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Cardiac Surgery: Face and Content Validity Study

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a VR simulation platform has been developed explicitly for use in a cardiac arrest scenario after cardiac surgery. Although future refinements of this concept are inevitable, we believe that the CPVR-sim will be a successful method that will help to overcome difficult challenges, including the infrequent incidence of resternotomy after cardiac surgery, accessibility, and costs of clinical training [ 25 ]. We observed that the expert and novice opinions were generally positive regarding the face validity and content validity.…”

“…This active involvement could be due to the elaborate simulation and multiple actions the user has to perform. This immersive and realistic VR environment facilitates memorizing stepwise procedures more efficiently [ 25 ]. Additionally, our results showed that frequent practice and increased exposure in the CPVR-sim is valuable since it refreshes the knowledge and gives the clinician more confidence in taking the lead in future situations, which is in line with previous studies [ 8 , 9 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…This would also enable learning from other trainees’ mistakes. Multiplayer settings would additionally enable the trainee to view the CPR situation from different viewpoints and the possibility to review their own performance from an alternative perspective [ 25 ]. Another shortcoming of the CPVR-sim is that the simulation requires at least five different buttons to be pressed, which can be confusing for the trainee.…”

Innovation During a Pandemic: Developing a Guideline for Infection Prevention and Control to Support Education Through Virtual Reality

“…As an example of the rapid innovation that recent events have been a catalyst for, the authors have developed several innovative VR based applications to supplement face-to-face education in the health service. VR based applications supporting Advanced Life Support (ALS) leadership called ALS-SimVR ( 5 , 6 ), Code Black identification and response training and a tool for reflective practice in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings are all in varying stages of development within the LHD.…”

Experiences of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy With Virtual Reality: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

“…To date, VR has been used to support burn victims [ 4 , 5 ], as exposure therapy for phobias [ 6 ], in the management of traumatic brain injury [ 7 ], and to increase physical activity undertaken by members of the general public [ 2 , 8 ]. In addition to being used to support health care consumers, VR has been used to enhance medical training by augmenting existing approaches to surgical skills training [ 9 ], advanced life support training [ 10 ], and for developing empathy skills [ 11 ].…”