Setting the Stage for Effective VR Training

As research continues to validate its benefits, VR is reaching an unprecedented level of adoption. 

These are the market conditions that led us to develop Acadicus. Our goals are to reduce the cost, complexity, and time required to create measurably effective VR training.  As we work with organizations to achieve successful VR integration into their programs, there are 3 steps we recommend to maximize their chances of success:

Step 1: Define Your Project

• Are there clinical scenarios students can’t currently experience in the classroom that VR could enable? 
• Is there complex or dangerous equipment they can’t otherwise interact with? 
• Are there patient types or conditions that could be simulated effectively in VR? 
• Are there remote or rural participants in your program that would benefit from accessing simulation in multi-user VR?
• Would 24/7 VR lab simulation access be beneficial to students?

We also suggest beginning with the end in mind. Visualize what a successfully implemented VR initiative looks like to you. What will it enable?  How will learners benefit from it? 

It’s also beneficial to carefully take into account a variety of practical considerations.  How much space will you need?  Who might your internal evangelists be, bringing the passion and enthusiasm needed to see the project through?  Which department will control the VR initiative and why?  What is your timeline? 

With all of this in mind, how will you measure success?

In general, we encourage our client partners to start small and simple. VR training doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.  You can get started in a few hours.  What matters most is starting in a way that allows you to have goals in place. Beginning your approach this way gives you the information and experience you need to grow your program in a way that will consistently produce meaningful, measurable value.

Step 2: Procure Your Content

With the information gathered from the project definition phase, you can make informed decisions about the type of VR solution that would be most beneficial to your program. You’ll have a clear understanding of the environments, assets and interactions you’ll need to support your project.  

It will be important that all project stakeholders have a chance to test the hardware and software you choose to work with and, if possible, begin customizing the content to suit their requirements. 

In our own development process, we meet regularly inside Acadicus using multi-user capability to share progress and ensure all project stakeholders are able to provide input throughout development.     

Step 3: Deploy and Measure