Virtual Reality Training for Airway Injury Management Education
(AW&VR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether Virtual Reality (VR) can effectively teach medical students to manage airway injuries, which are serious medical emergencies. Participants will learn through either VR-based simulation or traditional mannequin-based simulation. The study aims to determine which method is more effective and faster for learning. Medical students in their first three years at the University of Toronto who can attend two sessions a week apart may be suitable candidates. This research could make training for airway emergencies more affordable and accessible, potentially improving future patient care. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative educational methods that could revolutionize medical training.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on training methods for medical students.
What prior data suggests that this VR training is safe for medical education?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) is a safe and promising tool for training in medical situations, such as managing airways. Studies have found that VR training is well-received and enhances the skills needed for handling difficult airways during emergencies.
While VR does not completely replace traditional mannequin-based training, it serves as a helpful addition. Importantly, no major safety issues have been reported with VR training. Most participants handle VR experiences well, with only minor side effects like motion sickness or eye strain, which are rare and usually mild.
Overall, VR training appears to be a safe option for those seeking to improve their medical skills, particularly in managing airway injuries.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to train students in managing airway injuries. Unlike traditional methods using mannequins, VR-based simulation offers an immersive and interactive learning experience that can mimic real-life scenarios more closely. This approach could potentially enhance the learning process by providing students with a safe environment to practice and refine their skills repeatedly. By comparing VR training to mannequin-based methods, the trial aims to determine if VR can offer a more effective and engaging educational tool for future medical professionals.
What evidence suggests that VR-based simulation is effective for airway injury management education?
Research shows that Virtual Reality (VR) can be a powerful tool for teaching emergency medical skills, such as managing a patient's airway. Studies have found that VR improves these technical skills by providing an immersive learning experience. In this trial, participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive training using VR-based simulation, which is particularly useful for practicing trauma scenarios and offers realistic practice without costly mannequins. The other group will receive training using mannequin-based simulation. A review of research found VR effective in training for emergency skills, suggesting it might help people learn faster and perform better. Early findings suggest that while VR might not fully replace traditional methods, it serves as a strong alternative for training medical students in handling airway injuries.12456
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for University of Toronto medical students in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year who are at least 18 years old and can attend two sessions one week apart. It's not suitable for those without consent capacity, with visual/hearing impairments that limit VR/video use, or a history of significant motion sickness.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training
Participants are randomized to receive training on traumatic airway management using either VR-based simulation or mannequin-based simulation.
Assessment
Participants are assessed on their airway injury management skills using a mannequin and complete questionnaires on clinical decision-making.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for the application of decision-making concepts surrounding traumatic airway injury management.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mannequin-based simulation
- VR-based simulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lead Sponsor