Virtual Reality-based Education Set to Launch at CHOP

Virtual Reality (VR) programming is coming to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)!

The phased implementation of VR was announced in July and will be soon joining CHOP’s educational programs. This new programming is possible due to support from Nursing and Clinical Care Services (NCCS) and designated funding support from Black Tie Tailgate events.

CHOP is poised to launch VR to deliver unparalleled learning experiences for all healthcare professionals that feature:

• An innovative learning environment. Participants will be able to step into a realistic and fully immersive 3D environment where medical scenarios come to life, allowing staff to practice critical skills in virtual spaces that mirror CHOP’s clinical environment.
• Life-like simulations. Through life-like simulations, staff will be able to interact with virtual patients, medical equipment and participate in complex healthcare scenarios. This will foster active learning and decision-making in a risk-free environment and include all environmental elements that occur at CHOP.
• Enhanced collaboration. VR enables collaborative learning experiences, enabling staff to work closely with colleagues, share insights and tackle challenging cases together – no matter their physical location.
• Tailored education pathways. Our VR platform provides personalized learning pathways, allowing staff to customize their educational journeys based on their individual needs, skill levels and professional goals.

CHOP is implementing two VR platforms:

• SimX: This system is only available on select VR headsets within the Simulation Center. Equipment must be reserved through the Sim Center’s Intake Form. Cases are available for various types of shock, traumatic injuries and skills practice.
• EducationXR: This digital platform allows healthcare team members to participate in the care of a patient with augmented reality on a smartphone, tablet or VR headset. Participants can be guided through experiences on their own or with an entire team in real time. Download it in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learners will log in using their EducationXR and CHOP credentials.

Cases are currently available for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention and Behavioral Health. Additional cases will be added throughout the year. In the next phase of work, these VR learning options will be available on shared iPhone devices.

Kirsten A. Hickerson, DNP, RN, CEN, is Vice President Nursing and Associate Chief Nursing Officer at CHOP. Akira Nishisaki, MD, MSCE, is an attending physician in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Co-Medical Director of the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education, and Innovation. Anne M. Ades, MD, MSEd, is an attending neonatologist, Director of Neonatal Simulation and Co-Medical Director of the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education, and Innovation. Roberta L. Hales, MHA, RRT-NPS, RN, CHSE, is Simulation Center and Research Manager. Keith Widmeier, BA, NRP, FP-C, CHSE, is a simulation immersive technology educator in the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education, and Innovation, all at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.