Using Multiplayer VR simulation to prepare students for high-fidelity team training in simulation center
Objective
To evaluate whether DIMEDUS Multiplayer VR team training improves student performance and preparedness for in-person, high-fidelity manikin-based team training, and whether it can reduce the need for multiple simulation center repetitions due to improved readiness
Background & Rationale
Simulation centers often face limitations in time, space, faculty availability, and access to high-fidelity manikins. Team-based simulation, while critical, is resource-intensive and not always easily scalable.
DIMEDUS’s Multiplayer VR mode offers a flexible and repeatable virtual environment for teams of 3–5 learners to rehearse complex clinical scenarios collaboratively. By using this tool as a pre-simulation preparation step, students may arrive at the simulation center with stronger teamwork fundamentals, thereby:
● Enhancing their initial performance in the manikin-based session
● Reducing the need for repeated runs
● Improving overall learning efficiency
This study aims to determine whether VR preparation enhances team-based simulation outcomes and supports optimization of sim center resources.
Study Design
Participants
Undergraduate or graduate-level healthcare students (e.g., medical, nursing, EMS), assigned to interprofessional teams.
Groups
Experimental Group:Completes 2–3 DIMEDUS Multiplayer team training cases in VR before the in-person team simulation.
Control Group: Receives only written pre-briefing materials (e.g., team roles, case background), with no VR rehearsal.
Procedure
Pre-test (Baseline Assessment):
Individual knowledge test on clinical content and team communication principles. Teamwork self-efficacy questionnaire.
VR Training Phase (Experimental Group Only):
Teams train on relevant DIMEDUS Multiplayer cases simulating the clinical scenario they will later perform at the sim center.
Simulation Center Session (Both Groups):
All teams participate in the same high-fidelity manikin-based team scenario, evaluated by trained observers using a validated teamwork rubric (e.g., TEAM, Ottawa GRS).
Session performance is video-recorded and independently scored.
Number of required runs to meet minimum performance standards (if applicable) is documented.
Post-test:
Repeat knowledge test and self-efficacy questionnaire.
Student feedback survey on perceived preparedness and teamwork experience.
Primary Outcome Measures
Team performance scores in simulation (leadership, communication, coordination)
Number of attempts needed to meet scenario objectives Time-to-task completion
Self-reported confidence and preparedness Instructor/facilitator qualitative feedback
To evaluate whether DIMEDUS Multiplayer VR team training improves student performance and preparedness for in-person, high-fidelity manikin-based team training, and whether it can reduce the need for multiple simulation center repetitions due to improved readiness
Background & Rationale
Simulation centers often face limitations in time, space, faculty availability, and access to high-fidelity manikins. Team-based simulation, while critical, is resource-intensive and not always easily scalable.
DIMEDUS’s Multiplayer VR mode offers a flexible and repeatable virtual environment for teams of 3–5 learners to rehearse complex clinical scenarios collaboratively. By using this tool as a pre-simulation preparation step, students may arrive at the simulation center with stronger teamwork fundamentals, thereby:
● Enhancing their initial performance in the manikin-based session
● Reducing the need for repeated runs
● Improving overall learning efficiency
This study aims to determine whether VR preparation enhances team-based simulation outcomes and supports optimization of sim center resources.
Study Design
Participants
Undergraduate or graduate-level healthcare students (e.g., medical, nursing, EMS), assigned to interprofessional teams.
Groups
Experimental Group:Completes 2–3 DIMEDUS Multiplayer team training cases in VR before the in-person team simulation.
Control Group: Receives only written pre-briefing materials (e.g., team roles, case background), with no VR rehearsal.
Procedure
Pre-test (Baseline Assessment):
Individual knowledge test on clinical content and team communication principles. Teamwork self-efficacy questionnaire.
VR Training Phase (Experimental Group Only):
Teams train on relevant DIMEDUS Multiplayer cases simulating the clinical scenario they will later perform at the sim center.
Simulation Center Session (Both Groups):
All teams participate in the same high-fidelity manikin-based team scenario, evaluated by trained observers using a validated teamwork rubric (e.g., TEAM, Ottawa GRS).
Session performance is video-recorded and independently scored.
Number of required runs to meet minimum performance standards (if applicable) is documented.
Post-test:
Repeat knowledge test and self-efficacy questionnaire.
Student feedback survey on perceived preparedness and teamwork experience.
Primary Outcome Measures
Team performance scores in simulation (leadership, communication, coordination)
Number of attempts needed to meet scenario objectives Time-to-task completion
Self-reported confidence and preparedness Instructor/facilitator qualitative feedback