Asia University Hospital in Taichung uses virtual reality to train clinical staff. Its radiology department co-developed an immersive VR training programme with an industry partner, in which new staff wear full-face headsets to simulate a real examination from start to finish.
The hospital's laboratory department has also introduced a VR training tool so that newcomers can build their blood-draw skills. The hospital presented the VR training among several smart healthcare applications at a results exhibition for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Healthy Taiwan Deep Cultivation Plan, a programme that subsidises medical institutions.
How the training works
- Radiology: new staff rehearse the full examination workflow in a simulated scene, including guiding the patient into the room, setting up the equipment, performing the exam and giving follow-up health education. They can repeat the scenario as often as needed.
- Laboratory: a VR tool helps new staff become more proficient at drawing blood, and the source says it can also ease patient anxiety.
SETN's photo caption says the VR software and hardware have played a key role in helping clinical units strengthen their training. TVBS and UDN report the same radiology and laboratory uses.
Context
The VR training sits alongside other smart healthcare efforts shown at the exhibition, including a care robot that takes over routine nursing tasks. TVBS says the hospital has pushed smart healthcare, talent development and a friendlier care environment since this year; the sources do not give a start date for the VR training itself.
