*SMARTSIM* A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 3D virtual reality versus traditional patient simulation

Erin Donathan; Andrea LaLumia; Charles Foat; Nigel Barr; David I Page

doi:10.1002/emp2.13092

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*SMARTSIM* A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 3D virtual reality versus traditional patient simulation

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

SMARTSIM A multicenter prospective randomized trial of 3D virtual reality versus traditional patient simulation

Erin Donathan, Andrea LaLumia, Charles Foat, Nigel Barr and David I Page

Journal of the America College of Emergency Physicians Open, Vol.5(1), pp.1-8

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.13092

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Abstract

paramedic students

patient assessments

virtual reality

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 College
Andrea LaLumia (Author) - Weber State University
Charles Foat (Author) - Johnson County Community College
Nigel Barr (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Paramedicine
David 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
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

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Web Of Science research areas: Emergency Medicine

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