International audit of Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training usage

Abstract

IntroductionThe Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) is a high-fidelity simulation hardware and software resource that replicates the expensive and high-pressure clinical environment of a radiotherapy treatment machine. The simulation allows students to gain confidence with clinical techniques in a safe and unpressured academic environment before clinical placement. The aim of this study was to establish the current and future role of VERT and explore the potential for collaborative resource development and research.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was made available to all users of the software internationally (n=52). A mixture of fixed and open response questions gathered usage data and user feedback.ResultsThe study had a 90% response rate (n=47). Most participants (78·5%) used the resource 1 day/week or less; around 8,000 hours worldwide. It was clear that most participants used the simulation resource to help student to either gain understanding of concepts and techniques or to gain practice with techniques and practical skills. There was good support for collaborative resource development, deployment and evaluation to help VERT users to fully exploit its range of pedagogical uses.ConclusionsThis audit demonstrated high levels of engagement and enthusiasm for collaborative resource development and ongoing research among the radiotherapy simulation community. Adoption of an international Academic Community of Practice for collaborative simulation resource deployment and support may be of significant value and is worthy of further discussion and consideration.

A scoping review of medical education research for residents in radiation oncology

“…For countries other than the United States, more studies focused on curriculum design, contouring, multidisciplinary training, professionalism, and technology. Some of the studies aimed to catch up with technological development and to develop new tools [25][26][27][28]. Others explored the benefits of modern technology for balancing inadequate training due to local resource shortages [29].…”

Becoming virtually real: using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT™) platform for the summative assessment of performance in a palliative radiotherapy treatment technique

“…While some progress has been made, perhaps the reality is that SBA will always be a work in progress. In radiotherapy specifically, the results of a 2017 international audit 9 to establish the role of VERT found that 32 of 47 respondents (68%) used the platform for summative assessment and that for 7 (22%) its usage was common. Where the theory and evidence may not yet be sufficient for high-stakes summative-type decisions for credentialing, SBA can start as a potent and valuable formative component and as a checkpoint and gateway summative assessment for progression.…”

“…The introduction of the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) platform in 2008 provided opportunities for educators to rethink existing learning, teaching and assessment strategies, and a recent audit reported a wide variety of resource development and implementation internationally. 9 These roles were brought into even sharper focus in the early part of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in restricted access to clinical placement sites and a reduction in clinical opportunities. This left clinical educators needing to rapidly revaluate the role of VERT and other simulation platforms as an alternative method of assessment in order to meet course and institution assessment requirements and regulatory body standards of proficiency.…”

Smart Classroom College English Listening Teaching System Based on Virtual Environment Technology

“…(3) System administrator: Be responsible for the management and maintenance of the teaching system and deal with the real-time feedback from users in time. Specifically, it includes the management of teachers and student users, online course resource management, etc (Bridge, et al, 2017).…”