Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan W C (1), Au-Yeung E (1)
Affiliation :
(1) School of Midwifery, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Virtual reality (VR) technology allows learning through communication, physical movement and sensory input. Its immersive and interactive natures allow students to engage in simulated environments, providing a safe and unique opportunity for learning and skill development, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. In 2023, a VR training program was developed and initiated in the School of Midwifery.
Objectives :
1. Develop an interactive teaching strategy to align with the trend in healthcare education.
2. Assess the learning experience of student midwives by incorporating immersive virtual experience.
3. Identify areas for improvement in the implementation of VR learning in midwifery education.
Methodology :
This evaluative study aimed to assess the VR experience of newly-enrolled student midwives prior to their first clinical practicum. A questionnaire was developed based on a published study and consisted of 18 items. Participants were asked to rate their perception of VR learning on a 6-point Likert scale across five categories: "immersion," "interaction," "imagination," "motivation," and "problem-solving ability." Additionally, an open comment section was included to gather additional feedback.
The VR scenario provided a 10-minute simulation of a midwife caring for a woman in the first stage of labor. On completion, students were directed to complete the questionnaire anonymously by scanning a QR code.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 77 students from two class intakes participated in the VR experience, resulting in a response rate of 88.3% (n=68). The mean score across the 18 items in the questionnaire was 5.17/6, indicating an overall positive VR experience for students.
Students reported highest scores in feeling safe during the VR experience (mean score of 5.47), being impressed and interested to learn through VR (mean scores of 5.44). This suggested that students felt secure and were motivated about using VR as a learning tool, with a willingness to explore and learn without fear of making mistakes.
The evaluation also identified areas of improvement. Students rated the lowest scores in terms of inspiring their imagination in clinical practice (mean score of 5.03) and ignoring their surroundings during the VR experience (mean score of 4.84). These findings indicated that there was room for enhancing the diversity of VR scenarios involving complex care management to stimulate students' imagination in real-world practice, as well as creating a more distraction-free environment.
