Health Check…in a Virtual World?
Internet users have long been consulting WebMD before actually calling/ visiting a real doctor and now healthcare providers are turning to computer-based virtual world simulations to assist them in training. These practice-based learning environments allow for key training and education for personnel involved within the medical industry while promoting safe patient care in an information rich learning environment. Computer-based virtual world medical simulations have thankfully progressed beyond passive learning. Now, with the advent of new virtual world technology collaboration is able to occur and immerse the learner in a simulated real-world environment. Virtual simulations allow for an experimental framework for health care practitioners to rehearse in without the real-world consequences like, say, injury or death. With the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus (more popularly known as Swine Flu) it’s hard not to imagine that a more hands-on virtual world training approach may have vastly reduced real-world reaction times. There are quite a few proven success stories of this type of training and more within the health care arena have been venturing into utilizing virtual worlds for training. As a result, many medical students have been able to gain valuable hands-on experience without the risk of inflicting harm on live patients. Virtual worlds have seamlessly integrated into many instructor led classroom settings allowing for flexible, cost efficient and readily available training environments.
Thought I would share a few good examples of health care training in virtual worlds…
A project is currently underway in the UK to creating virtual patients in Second Life for paramedic students.
In February of this year IBM announced a new healthcare island in Second Life. The healthcare island is to serve as a tool for healthcare customers complete with patient avatars.
The Stanford School of Medicine has employed desktop simulations and virtual worlds that allow patient interaction.
The critical role of virtual worlds and simulations in the health care industry allow for a workforce training solution that immerses the trainee in a rich learning environment. More simulations are currently in the making that will aid in detecting, combating and minimizing pandemics while training up future healthcare providers of tomorrow. With the years of study and practice attendant in the healthcare industry, one must praise the ability to practice and become competent within a virtual environment setting while gaining practical, hands-on experience.
