ABSTRACTS
*SMARTSIM* A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Trial of 3D Virtual Reality vs Live Patient Simulation.Author: Erin Donathan, MPH, FPC | | Associate Authors:
Introduction 3D Virtual Reality patient assessment simulators (3DVRS) allow students to participate in a 3DVR independently. The study objective was to explore the effects of live simulation and 3DVRS on critical thinking. This will inform program managers of various options and alternatives for high fidelity simulation training. Methods IRB approved multicenter prospective randomized trial of paramedic students. A convenience sample of students were exposed to 6 NAEMTTM AMLSTM scenarios selected by the authors based on altered mental status complaints with 30 potential differential diagnosis. Participants were assigned to a 3DVRS with Oculus Gen 2TM headsets or a traditional simulation group via stratified random assignment. The outcome measure was performance on an exam comprising 50 previously psychometrically validated multiple-choice exam items from Fisdap®. Results Sixty-one paramedic students from five educational institutions across the United States consented to participate (April-June 2022). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups: t (58) = 0.33, P = 0.74. The mean exam score for the live simulation group was 69.38 points (N = 29, SD = 7.7, SEM = 1.4) and the mean score for the virtual simulation group was lower at 68.8 (N = 31, SD = 6.4, SEM = 1.2). Conclusion Results show no significant difference between traditional and 3DVR simulation. The potential implications are that programs may have an effective alternative to high-fidelity simulations unlimited by space, staffing or location for paramedic students. These preliminary results were created from a limited sample size and are part of a larger project. This project will be completed summer 2022 with a larger population.
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