Clin Sim offers new VR equipment loan program

Virtual learning is more than a tool; it’s a reality. And a new VR equipment loan program from UAB Clinical Simulation will allow learners to sim virtually anywhere. 

“Our virtual reality modules allow learners to practice scenarios that were designed based on published clinical guidelines,” said Alexis Lang, training coordinator with Clinical Simulation. “Additionally, learners are practicing effective communication skills and decision-making—all while in a self-directed and safe environment.” 

The modules offer learners immediate feedback on their decisions, Lang explained, allowing them to retake lessons and instantly apply what they learned during previous attempts. 

“Overall, virtual reality provides an interactive learning experience that immerses learners in a realistic clinical environment with virtual patients and a team of clinicians,” she said. 

Up until recently, VR experiences were only available on the UAB Medicine campus. Now, learners can extend their training off campus. Lang explained that the VR program is integrated into the curriculum for internal medicine residents. Once a month, Clinical Simulation hosts a one-hour, facilitated VR session for postgraduate year one (PGY1) residents, where they complete one stroke assessment module and one advanced care life support (ACLS) module. Following the facilitated session, residents borrow the VR headsets for a one-week period. 

“During this independent learning time, residents have access to an additional, more challenging stroke assessment module and two additional ACLS modules,” Lang said. “Borrowing headsets allows residents to extend their learning by having more time to practice the various scenarios that they would not otherwise have time to complete during the one-hour facilitated session. They also have the option to revisit modules that they completed during their facilitated session with us.” 

So far, the results have been promising, with user feedback including such comments as, “This was a great experience overall,” with one learner noting, “I hope the VR loan can become a regular option that we can request whenever necessary, such as when we’re going to the CCU or MICU.” 

Currently, the program is chiefly serving PGY1 residents in their internal medicine rotations, although Lang expects the program to expand to a broader audience in the future. 

For more information on Clinical Simulation’s virtual reality offerings, visit here. To learn more about how your team or department can benefit from simulation, email UAB Clinical Simulation at simulation@uabmc.edu.  

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “SimFirst.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.