Journal article
*SMARTSIM* A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 3D virtual reality versus traditional patient simulation
Journal of the America College of Emergency Physicians Open, Vol.5(1), pp.1-8
2024
PMCID: PMC10757046
PMID: 38162532
Abstract
Objective:
Simulations are an integral part of paramedic education. Technological advancements have introduced three-dimensional virtual reality patient simulations (3DVRS), offering a low-cost, accessible alternative. This study compares the impact of 3DVRS and traditional simulation on paramedic students.
Methods:
Students selected from a convenience sample of 11 cohorts in 10 accredited programs distributed across the United States were allocated to 2 groups using a stratified random sampling. One group received simulations via 3DVRS, the second used traditional in-person simulation. Students were exposed to 6 scenarios over 2 h from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) program. Altered mental status scenarios were selected a priori by the research team containing approximately 30 potential differential diagnoses. A 50-item posttest was administered using validated cognitive items provided by Fisdap.
Results:
A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 174 paramedic students was undertaken from April until August of 2022. The traditional simulation group was comprised of 88 students and the 3DVRS group had 86 students. A Mann–Whitney U test (U = 4064.5, n1 = 88, n2 = 86, p = 0.396) detected no statistical difference between two distributions or median exam score (70%), the range of values and interquartile range (IQR) for both groups: TS IQR = 64–75 (range, 32–82); 3DVRS IQR = 64–76 (range, 34–86).
Conclusion:
No difference in exam scores using 3DVRS versus traditional simulation was detected. Paramedic programs may have an effective new option when incorporating simulation with 3DVRS, potentially reducing financial and real-estate resources required with in-person simulations. Larger studies are needed to truly evaluate the impact and usability of virtual reality on paramedic education.
Details
- Title
- *SMARTSIM* A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 3D virtual reality versus traditional patient simulation
- Authors
- Erin Donathan (Corresponding Author) - Pima Community CollegeAndrea LaLumia (Author) - Weber State UniversityCharles Foat (Author) - Johnson County Community CollegeNigel Barr (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - ParamedicineDavid I Page (Author) - University of California, Los Angeles
- Publication details
- Journal of the America College of Emergency Physicians Open, Vol.5(1), pp.1-8
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1002/emp2.13092
- ISSN
- 2688-1152
- PMID
- 38162532; PMC10757046
- Copyright note
- © 2023 The Authors. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Emergency Physicians. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
- Grant note
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. Fidelity Charitable Mitch and Betty Boyd Foundation.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Paramedicine
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99984498002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
35 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Emergency Medicine
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs from InCites