Enhancing professional competency in clinical procedures using head-mounted display virtual reality - a mixed method study

BACKGROUND

The maintenance of nursing professional competency is essential to ensure patients' health outcomes. With the current shortage of nursing workforce, a novel approach is necessary to refresh clinical skills and update practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of using head-mounted display virtual reality to refresh knowledge and skills and explore nurses' perceptions towards using this technology for refresher training.

DESIGN

A pre-test post-test mixed-method experimental design was employed.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 88) were registered nurses with a diploma in nursing. The intravenous therapy and subcutaneous injection procedures were implemented using head-mounted display virtual reality. The study showed significant improvement in knowledge for the procedures, cognitive absorption, online readiness, self-directed learning, and motivation for learning. In the qualitative focus group discussions, three themes were identified using thematic analyses: enjoyable way to refresh clinical knowledge; learning outside classroom and limitations in maneuver.

CONCLUSION

Using head-mounted display virtual reality is promising in refreshing clinical skills for nurses. Training and refresher courses can explore using this novel technology, which may be a viable alternative to ensure professional competence with reduced manpower and resources used by the healthcare institution.

Design and Evaluation of Using Head-Mounted Virtual Reality for Learning Clinical Procedures: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

The capacity of health care professionals to perform clinical procedures safely and competently is crucial as it will directly impact patients' outcomes. Given the ability of head-mounted virtual reality to simulate the authentic clinical environment, this platform should be suitable for nurses to refine their clinical skills for knowledge and skills acquisition. However, research on head-mounted virtual reality in learning clinical procedures is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the design of a head-mounted virtual reality system and evaluate it for education on clinical procedures for nursing students and (2) to explore the experience of nursing students using head-mounted virtual reality for learning clinical procedures and the usability of the system.

METHODS

This usability study used a mixed method approach. The stages included developing 3D models of the necessary instruments and materials used in intravenous therapy and subcutaneous injection procedures performed by nurses, followed by developing the procedures using the Unreal Engine (Epic Games). Questionnaires on the perception of continuance intention and the System Usability Scale were used along with open-ended questions.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine nursing students took part in this questionnaire study after experiencing the immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention. Participants reported largely favorable game perception and learning experience. Mean perception scores ranged from 3.21 to 4.38 of a maximum score of 5, while the mean system usability score was 53.53 of 100. The majority found that the IVR experience was engaging, and they were immersed in the game. The challenges encountered included unfamiliarity with the new learning format; technological constraints, such as using hand controllers; and physical discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

The conception of IVR for learning clinical procedures through deliberate practice to enhance nurses' knowledge and skills is promising. However, refinement of the prototypes is required to improve user experience and learning. Future research can explore other ways to use IVR for better education and health care purposes.

Mid-career switch nursing students' perceptions and experiences of using immersive virtual reality for clinical skills learning: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase of mid-career professionals joining nursing. These adult students possess significant expertise in other areas and may benefit substantially in deliberate practice to acquire skills competency using immersive virtual reality (IVR) for clinical procedures before they practise in actual clinical settings.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to (1) examine the impact of IVR clinical procedures on mid-career switch students in knowledge, game perception and user reaction; (2) to explore the mid-career switch students' perceptions and experiences in using the IVR clinical procedures.

DESIGN

A mixed methods feasibility study was used.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study was conducted at a university in Singapore with 34 first-year mid-career switch students.

METHODS

This study is a single-group pre-test and post-test experimental study on learning clinical procedures using IVR in the home setting. The study took place from September to November 2021. Focus group discussions were conducted and analysed verbatim using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The students demonstrated significant improvement of knowledge for subcutaneous insulin, but overall, the increase in combined scores for both intravenous therapy and subcutaneous insulin were not statistically significant. Three overarching themes included: 1) Learning and practice, 2) Challenges and barriers, and 3) Personal attributes. Most of the participants found the experiences to be engaging, relevant, and satisfying. Some reported experiencing giddiness, headache, and lack of familiarity with technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

IVR simulation can potentially be used as a supplementary learning tool to improve knowledge of clinical procedures in mid-career switch students.

Why are physical assessment skills not practiced? A systematic review with implications for nursing education

BACKGROUND

Physical assessment skills are taught in pre-registration nursing programs to equip nurses with the competencies to provide holistic nursing care. However, only a fraction of the skills they acquired during training are routinely performed in clinical practice thus highlighting a disconnect between learning and practicing.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the issues surrounding the teaching and practice of physical assessment skills among nurses as described in the literature.

DESIGN

A systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was used.

REVIEW METHOD

A search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus was conducted from January 1970 to December 2019. Two independent researchers performed the methodological quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklists. Twenty-one papers, including two qualitative studies, 17 quantitative studies and two mixed methods study, were selected in this review. Data were synthesised narratively.

RESULTS

The review identified six overarching themes: (1) role ambiguity, (2) reliance on technology, (3) collegial support and culture, (4) practice variations across specialties, (5) a lack of confidence and knowledge, and (6) over-teaching using biomedical model.

CONCLUSION

This review identified the need to improve the teaching of the physical assessment skills. There is also a need to evaluate the physical assessment content taught within nursing curricula, with emphasis on depth rather than breadth of skills. The ability to interpret physical assessment observations and develop clinical judgement need to be incorporated into the curriculum. To aid in the development of an effective care plan, the physical assessment framework should move away from a biomedical framework to include nursing models such as nursing process and clinical reasoning model. This revised framework can be used in future studies in the development and testing of teaching and evaluation tools for physical assessment skills.

Cord Lining Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have a Modest Positive Effect on Angiogenesis in Hindlimb Ischemia

Purpose: We investigated the use of human Cord Lining Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CL-MSCs) (US Patent number 9,737,568), in a rabbit hindlimb ischemia model, and evaluated their potential in stimulating neovascularization. Allogenic human CL- MSCs could potentially be used to treat patients with lower limb ischemia and non-healing wounds. Methods: Twenty rabbits were divided into two separate groups. We created a hindlimb ischemia model surgically. At 21 and 49 days post-operatively, animals in the treatment group were injected with CL-MSCs (500,000 cells per 0.2 ml on each site) at 10 different sites (Quadriceps- 4 sites, Hamstrings- 4 sites and Calf--2 sites) in the hindlimb muscles. The control group received only saline injection to the corresponding sites at the same time point as the treatment group. We then evaluated the effects of treatment on neovascularization by angiography, laser doppler perfusion imaging, as well as by histology. We evaluated the tissue samples for any signs of local immune reaction to the cell implantation. We also observed the rabbit clinically for any adverse effects after treatment. Results: We found a higher number of CD31 positive cells in the treatment group, with a greater number of capillaries found in the treated muscles. The Rectus Femoris demonstrated a median vessel count/muscle fiber of 0.121 for the treatment group, compared to 0.076 in the control group (median difference 0.04; 95% CI 0.001-0.11; p = 0.041). The Gastrocnemius demonstrated a median vessel count/muscle fiber of 0.175 for the treatment group, compared to 0.089 in the control group (median difference 0.087; 95% CI -0.006 to 0.234; p = 0.07). Blood perfusion quantification through Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI) also demonstrated a non-statistically significant increase in perfusion in favor of the treatment group. CL-MSCs demonstrated no toxicity associated morbidity and minimal local immune reaction to implantation. Conclusion: CL-MSCs have a positive effect on angiogenesis in a rabbit hindlimb ischemia model. This preliminary data is encouraging and paves the way for future large animal studies or for clinical trials.

Multifunctional Antimicrobial Nanofiber Dressings Containing ε-Polylysine for the Eradication of Bacterial Bioburden and Promotion of Wound Healing in Critically Colonized Wounds

Bacterial colonization of acute and chronic wounds is often associated with delayed wound healing and prolonged hospitalization. The rise of multi-drug resistant bacteria and the poor biocompatibility of topical antimicrobials warrant safe and effective antimicrobials. Antimicrobial agents that target microbial membranes without interfering with the mammalian cell proliferation and migration hold great promise in the treatment of traumatic wounds. This article reports the utility of superhydrophilic electrospun gelatin nanofiber dressings (NFDs) containing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial polymer, ε-polylysine (εPL), crosslinked by polydopamine (pDA) for treating second-degree burns. In a porcine model of partial thickness burns, NFDs promoted wound closure and reduced hypertrophic scarring compared to untreated burns. Analysis of NFDs in contact with the burns indicated that the dressings trap early colonizers and elicit bactericidal activity, thus creating a sterile wound bed for fibroblasts migration and re-epithelialization. In support of these observations, in porcine models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus colonized partial thickness burns, NFDs decreased bacterial bioburden and promoted wound closure and re-epithelialization. NFDs displayed superior clinical outcome than standard-of-care silver dressings. The excellent biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of the newly developed dressings in pre-clinical models demonstrate its potential for clinical use to manage infected wounds without compromising tissue regeneration.

Wound healing properties of magnesium mineralized antimicrobial nanofibre dressings containing chondroitin sulphate – a comparison between blend and core–shell nanofibres

Effect of chondroitin sulphate incorporated PCL/gelatin as blends or core–shell composite nanofibres are compared in terms of their biocompatibility for skin cells and wound healing in porcine model of partial thickness burns.

An evidence based approach to a perennial problem: pressure ulcers

The nursing care required to prevent the development of pressure ulcers on patients of various ages and with a range of physical and medical problems is an increasing challenge for nursing staff. The challenge for the nursing staff is multifactorial. Concerns include a complexity of factors associated with discerning, interpreting and implementing the results from evidence based studies, and maintaining cognisance of the ever-spiralling health cost while balancing this with the patient's wishes. The prevention of pressure ulcers is a cost-effective strategy about which little is written. This paper defines pressure ulcers using the International Classification for Nursing Practice (International Council of Nurses, 1999), and outlines the evidence featured in the research literature on the strategies for prevention.