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Effects of Virtual Reality Simulation on Worker Emergency Evacuation of Neonates

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2018

Sharon Farra ,
Eric Hodgson ,
Elaine T. Miller ,
Nathan Timm ,
Whittney Brady ,
Matt Gneuhs ,
Jun Ying ,
Jackie Hausfeld ,
Emily Cosgrove  and
Ashley Simon
...Show all authors
Sharon Farra*
Affiliation:
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Eric Hodgson
Affiliation:
Miami University, Miami, Florida
Elaine T. Miller
Affiliation:
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nathan Timm
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Whittney Brady
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Matt Gneuhs
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Jun Ying
Affiliation:
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Jackie Hausfeld
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Emily Cosgrove
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ashley Simon
Affiliation:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Michael Bottomley
Affiliation:
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Sharon Farra, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH (e-mail: [email protected]).
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Abstract

Objective

This study examined differences in learning outcomes among newborn intensive care unit (NICU) workers who underwent virtual reality simulation (VRS) emergency evacuation training versus those who received web-based clinical updates (CU). Learning outcomes included a) knowledge gained, b) confidence with evacuation, and c) performance in a live evacuation exercise.

Methods

A longitudinal, mixed-method, quasi-experimental design was implemented utilizing a sample of NICU workers randomly assigned to VRS training or CUs. Four VRS scenarios were created that augmented neonate evacuation training materials. Learning was measured using cognitive assessments, self-efficacy questionnaire (baseline, 0, 4, 8, 12 months), and performance in a live drill (baseline, 12 months). Data were collected following training and analyzed using mixed model analysis. Focus groups captured VRS participant experiences.

Results

The VRS and CU groups did not statistically differ based upon the scores on the Cognitive Assessment or perceived self-efficacy. The virtual reality group performance in the live exercise was statistically (P<.0001) and clinically (effect size of 1.71) better than that of the CU group.

Conclusions

Training using VRS is effective in promoting positive performance outcomes and should be included as a method for disaster training. VRS can allow an organization to train, test, and identify gaps in current emergency operation plans. In the unique case of disasters, which are low-volume and high-risk events, the participant can have access to an environment without endangering themselves or clients. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:301–308)

Keywords

virtual realityevacuationdisaster
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , April 2019 , pp. 301 - 308
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2018 

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