Maternity specific virtual reality training in Outback Queensland

Aim

The aim of this study is to better understand participants' perceived preparedness for unexpected or unplanned maternity care in remote areas, following education delivered by Virtual Reality software.

Outcomes

We are in the process of developing and deploying Virtual Reality (VR) training in both imminent birth and neonatal resuscitation.

Background

The North West Hospital and Health Services (NWHHS) requires all remote area Nurses to complete Neonatal resuscitation and imminent birth training as part of their mandatory training. There are many unique circumstances which hinder continued upskilling in maternity emergencies including, wet season and chronic short staffing. An alternative model of training was sought as remote health services continued to be obstructed from attended face-to-face training in Mount Isa. This is where the idea for offering Virtual reality maternity training to remote sites was first envisioned.

Discussion

Types of evaluation

This study will utilise a Kirkpatrick model framework for evaluating the effectiveness of workforce training (Kirkpatrick, & Kirkpatrick, 2006). This model is supported via a meta-analysis of team training in healthcare (Hughes et al., 2016) and is important to ensure how the training can improve patient outcomes.

The levels are summarised as:

• Domain 1: Trainee Reaction: healthcare staff response to training using rating scales about the different aspects of the teaching
• Domain 2: Learning: knowledge acquisition produced by training experience increasing learning scores from pre-to post-training
• Domain 3: Behaviour: the application of the knowledge and/or skills learnt during training to the clinical job demands
• Domain 4: Results: addressing ultimate performance or measurable impact on the organisation.