Work-in-Progress—Embedding and Evaluating Virtual Reality Sepsis Simulations into Online and Distance Learning across Multiple Healthcare Professions

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) simulations have the potential to help healthcare practitioners learn to manage events that are infrequently encountered in practice but of high importance to their professional capabilities. They could be particularly valuable in online and distance education where VR could provide a flexible way to train practitioners regardless of the location and time. However, there are challenges and unknowns in how best to effectively support diverse learners in this teaching model. This paper summarises relevant literature and describes work in progress to devise and trial a VR Sepsis simulation activity with a virtual patient with both Nursing and Social Work students studying online. The study evaluates the benefits and challenges of both headset and browser-based VR for these activities, exploring how interactions with patients and other healthcare professionals can be enhanced and the practical and pedagogical requirements for learners studying online.