USING IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY TO TRAIN NURSES
Finding new ways to teach the next generation
Dr Helen Kerr carries out research to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality methods to teach student nurses. She used immersive 360° videos in a class of trainee nurses to give them hands-on experience in particular medical scenarios.
A MODERN TEACHING METHOD
Technology is changing the way the world works at a rapid pace and has transformed medicine and education. However, Dr Kerr found that there is a lack of research into using immersive virtual reality methods in the education of nurses.
Dr Kerr carried out research to explore how the education of nurses can be revolutionised by introducing immersive 360° videos. In her research, the videos were introduced to a group of student nurses to give them experience of different medical scenarios.
IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY CAN ENCOURAGE REFLECTIVE LEARNING
Reflective approaches are common in nursing education. The teaching method allows nurses to use their knowledge and beliefs to evaluate different situations and learn from the experience. The reflective approach can lead to improved patient care and encourage knowledge development.
Dr Kerr found that immersive 360° videos can be particularly useful in encouraging this method of learning. The research found that nurses experiencing a medical scenario virtually learned how best to act in the situation, develop ideas and reflect on their approach. The use of immersive video was found to have led to an effective classroom discussion afterwards.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF TEACHING?
Immersive virtual reality technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Dr Kerr found that, if immersive video content is tailored effectively to the student’s learning methods, virtual reality can play an important part in the education of nurses.