Virtual Reality for Pediatric Trauma Education - A Preliminary Face and Content Validation Study.

PURPOSE: Pediatric trauma education remains expensive and available only to a few providers worldwide. Innovative educational technologies like virtual reality (VR) can be key to decentralizing trauma education. This preliminary validation study evaluates the face and content validity of a VR software designed to enhance pediatric trauma skills.

METHODS

Physicians were invited to test a VR software simulating a child with blunt head and truncal trauma. After the simulation, they filled out surveys assessing the face and content validity of the scenario, including the software's realism, interaction, ease of use, and educational content. Additionally, they completed a cybersickness questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Eleven physicians from eight different countries tested the VR software. Most found it valuable, and realistic and would prefer using it over high-fidelity mannequins for training. The software received more favorable evaluations for non-technical skills training than for technical skills. Regarding cybersickness most participants reported discomfort during the simulation.

CONCLUSION

Participants agreed that a VR platform for pediatric trauma is realistic and immersive, and they endorsed it for enhancing performance, particularly in non-technical skills. Most participants, however, faced some discomfort with the technology, and efforts to minimize cybersickness should be made in future implementation, feasibility, and effectiveness studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.