Virtual reality to improve patient care
A UK-first virtual reality (VR) tool for doctors is helping train them to become more confident carrying out advanced and complicated procedures.
Doctors at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust can practise clinical procedures on life-like virtual avatars, allowing them for the first time to use a VR system to carry out a complete procedure from start to finish.
The technology is used to simulate different clinical situations and perform a range of advanced medical and emergency procedures, preparing medical staff before they see real patients.
Wilson Alvares, Simulation and Critical Skills Lead at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am very excited about the new virtual reality system. By showing real-time performance and providing instant feedback, it allows our clinicians to track their improvement as they progress. We are the first and only trust in the UK currently using Vantari, and we have had a very positive response from our clinicians.”
The Trust began using this tool in June and currently has six virtual reality simulator units for the doctors’ training.
Dr Claudia Jansen van Vuuren, a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Trust, has used the equipment. She said: “When wearing the VR headset, we can pick up and use real tools, as if we were carrying out the procedure in real life. Instead of using expensive mannequins and medical equipment, we can now learn and practise important new skills in a safe and simulated environment.”
The VR system is a cloud-based platform and has regular updates, with more complex procedures set to be added to the platform in the future.
It was developed by Vantari, who are based in Australia. Co-CEO Dr Nishanth Krishnananthan said of the partnership with the Trust: “We are really excited to partner with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and work closely with the simulation team at Basildon to future-proof the delivery of procedural training and improve patient outcomes.”
“We see the Trust as a key foundational partner in our vision and journey to help clinicians, nurses and students throughout the NHS and UK.”