Stress Research (Vage et. al)
Bio
Aaron Vage is a PhD researcher within the Centre for Medical Education at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). His doctoral work focuses on analysing the intricate relationships between stress and performance within healthcare simulation environments. By leveraging state-of-the-art biometric technology and examining biochemical markers, Aaron aims to decipher the complexities of the human stress response and its myriad influences on educational performance. Currently, Aaron is working with a research team at the University of Arkansas to develop a novel, composite marker of stress.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Aaron has made his mark as a pop science author. His debut book, "Unmasking Stress: Insights into the Invisible," available on Amazon, showcases his commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to a broader audience. Through his writing, he seeks to illuminate the unseen effects of stress, providing readers with insights to better understand and manage their responses to the world around them.
Aaron's doctoral research has spanned four phases, each acting as a foundation for the next. The structure below outlines the work conducted in each phase and the associated publications.
Stage 1: Narrative Reviews
Background:
Dialogues surrounding stress, learning, and performance within the field of simulation-based healthcare education.
Publications:
Vage A, Spence AD, Gormley GJ, McKeown G, Murphy P, Hamilton PK. Untapped resource: the simulation-based healthcare environment as a means to study human stress. Ulster Medical Journal. 2023;92(3):157-166.
Vage A, McCarron E, Hamilton PK. Biological testing during acute psychological stress: a hindrance or an opportunity? Clinical Biochemistry. 2023;114:11-17.
Stage 2: Systematic Review
Background:
A rigorous review, identifying, selecting, and synthesising all published research concerning the question, “What impact does stress have on simulation performance within the healthcare sector?”
Publications:
(In review) Vage A, Spence AD, McKeown G, Gormley GJ, Hamilton PK. Simulate to stimulate? A systematic review of stress, learning, and performance in healthcare simulation. Ulster Medical Journal.
Stage 3: Feasibility Study
Background:
Preliminary study involving the biochemical, physiological and psychological analysis of stress within the context of low- and high-complexity simulation environments.
Publications:
Vage A, Gormley GJ, McKeown G, Hamilton PK. The evaluation of stress during medical simulation: a feasibility study involving final-year medical students. International Journal of Healthcare Simulation. 2023:1-5.
Stage 4 : Performance Study
Background:
Powered study involving the analysis of stress and performance in healthcare simulation environments.
Publications:
(In review) Vage A, Gormley GJ, Hamilton PK. Investigating the impact of a high-complexity medical simulation on student stress and performance. International Journal of Healthcare Simulation.
Aaron has authored 26 papers so far, ranging from artificial intelligence to poetic expression.