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Biomechanical analysis of delivering chest compressions in virtual reality simulation: preliminary insights into fidelity and validity of virtual reality as a means of delivering life support training
  1. Aimee Rowe1,
  2. Matthew A Ellison2,
  3. Karamveer Narang3,
  4. Alex Saunders4,
  5. Steve Furnell5,
  6. Jagtar Dhanda1
  1. 1Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
  2. 2University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
  3. 3Princess Royal Hospital, Hull, UK
  4. 4King's College London, London, UK
  5. 5University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
  1. Correspondence to Miss Aimee Rowe; aimeerowe{at}nhs.net

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjinnov-2024-001234

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    WHAT ARE THE NEW FINDINGS

    • Teaching chest compressions in VR lacks biomechanical fidelity in the absence of haptic feedback, however, this is overcome when used in combination with haptic adjuncts.

    HOW MIGHT THIS IMPACT HEALTHCARE IN THE FUTURE

    • To develop resuscitation training using VR, there should be a focus on extended reality and incorporating haptics.

    • When designing the biomechanical evaluation of VR applications, there should be consideration of the diversity of trainee body types which may limit the use of motion capture as an analytical tool.

    • Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with broad potential applications in healthcare education that require a critical approach to the evaluation of validity and efficacy.

    Introduction

    Virtual reality (VR) is a promising modality for healthcare education with ample qualitative evaluation.1–3 There is meagre quantitative study of using VR in healthcare training. This study aims to gain quantitative and qualitative insights into the fidelity and validity of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training using VR.

    Good quality, timely chest compressions improve survival outcomes in cardiac arrest.4–6 Traditionally, chest compressions are taught to healthcare professionals (HCPs) as part of resuscitation training using manikin-based simulation.4 Resuscitation bodies, such as The European Resuscitation Council and Resuscitation Council UK, certify trainers to deliver CPR training using scenario-based simulation with manikins. Delivering this training has logistical barriers; accessing space, equipment, staff and time to conduct training.

    E-learning has been widely adopted in healthcare education, helping to reduce the logistical burden of providing mandatory training to the healthcare workforce.7 Emerging technology such as VR is appealing as it has the flexibility associated with e-learning while offering a more immersive experience,8 along with the potential to increase global accessibility and reduce the environmental impact of in-person training.

    Novel approaches must be assessed for efficacy before committing resources to their implementation. While there are data exploring VR use for CPR training,9–11 there …

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors All authors except KN were involved with the design and conduct of the motion capture research. MAE provided all biomechanical analysis. All authors contributed to the final writing of the report.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.