Session 60: Implementing virtual reality in healthcare simulation: lessons from the hype cycle

Session overview: In this presentation, we will share our experiences of successfully implementing immersive VR simulation across a number of healthcare education programmes, including Nursing, Mental Health and Endoscopy. We will also look at the feasibility of building immersive content in-house in terms of the expertise involved. We will discuss the many challenges we have overcome following our initial adoption of VR headsets two years ago, including technical barriers, cost-utility concerns, working with large cohorts and gaining acceptance from senior management, faculty staff and learners. We will also share the mistakes we've made along the way and share lessons learnt. Key learning points from this session: Attendees will come away from this session recognising that implementing any digital technology in HE involves a large degree of hidden labour from technical and other staff, a clear plan for rollout and evaluation, a shared pedagogical understanding of the value of the technology, and a recognition that learners' preferences will ultimately determine whether a technology is used or not. The key takeaway from this session is to approach the adoption of immersive technologies with caution, but to highlight that there are major benefits to doing so from a learner experience and staff development perspective. Implementing virtual reality in healthcare simulation: lessons from the hype cycle PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.