Background

In healthcare, nurse-patient interaction is of paramount importance. Student Nurse Practitioners’ understanding of theoretical concepts could be improved with a tool that models clinical decision-making through automation. Through virtual reality (VR) technology, students will be able to participate in realistic learning experiences and enhance their communication and clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Objective

The project aims to develop a VR application that utilizes Large Language Learning Models (LLM), and realistic 3D modeling/animation techniques to create an immersive learning experience where student Nurse Practitioners can engage in interactive consultations with virtual patient avatars, all the while mitigating real-world instructional hazards.

These avatars will exhibit and describe real signs and symptoms, allowing students to practice their clinical skills in various simulated patient care situations. Ultimately, it is hoped that integrating VR technology into pedagogical practices used in nursing programs will aid students’ transition from fragmented textual knowledge to competency-oriented application.

Format

The project is in the ideation and testing stage; tools and formats are subject to change. The current plan seeks to use Metahuman Creator as well as Unreal Engine 5.2 or 5.3.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

The Team

Principal Investigators

• Ashley Scott, Associate Professor of Teaching, UBC School of Nursing
• Dr. Fairleth McCuaig, Associate Professor of Teaching, UBC School of Nursing

Student Team

• Victoria Lim, Project Lead, UX/UI Designer (September 2023 – Present)
• Graydon Strachan, Developer (January 2024 – Present)
• Jerry Wang, Developer (September 2023 – Present)

Past Student Team

• William Watkins, Developer (September 2023 – December 2023)