Virtual Reality Patient Encounters To Advance Athletic Training Student Experience
Abstract:
Integrating virtual reality (VR) simulations into educational practices offers immersive, interactive learning experiences, redefining how standardized patient encounters can be delivered. VR has been used in various fields, including business, education, physical therapy and medical education. Today's students are familiar with VR and augmented reality, making it a valuable tool for immersive engagement and critical reflection in their learning process. The purpose of this lecture is to introduce the concept of VR patient encounters and how this educational technique can advance student learning in athletic training. There is a gap in the literature regarding the use of VR for patient encounter delivery to enhance athletic training student learning and interpersonal skill development. VR simulations remove some of the "hidden pressure" associated with having a course instructor present during traditional practical assessments. Participants in virtual role-play scenarios have reported feeling less anxious and more in control of their practice and learning. In our current curriculum, we have utilized VR tools, such as MURSION, to deliver patient encounters where students communicate with various stakeholders they are likely to meet in autonomous practice. VR has also been used to deliver sensitive patient scenarios and cases involving counseling, such as with stroke victims. This technology allows for the assessment of a student's overall interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the benefits of VR technology for athletic training education.
- Identify practical patient encounter scenarios suitable for VR technology.
- Compare VR simulations to traditional standardized patient encounter techniques.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
CEUs:
0.75 Category A
Track: Pedagogy
Format: Lecture
In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety and complete the assessment.
Sara Stiltner, EdD, ATC
Dr. Stiltner is an Assistant Professor at Bowling Green State University where she teaches in the Graduate athletic training program as well as the undergraduate exercise science program. Dr. Stiltner is a two time graduate of BGSU and has spent a number of years at other institutions both in a clinical and educational capacity.
Dr. Stiltners first introduction to Standardized or Simulated Patients was at Georgia College & State University during her masters degree. From there she went on to introduce standardized patients at a number of additional schools. She returns to BGSU and has taken on a role spear-heading simulated and standardized patient encounters.
Andrea Cripps, ATC, PhD
Andrea Cripps is an associate professor and the program director of the Master of Athletic Training program at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Cripps earned her doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in Rehabilitation Science. Andrea's research is focused on sensory impairments following sports related concussions, and innovated teaching strategies within Athletic Training education programs.