NCT04937257

Virtual Reality on Efficacy of Donning and Doffing PPE

Comparison of a Virtual Reality Versus an E-Module on Efficacy of Donning and Doffing PPE: A Randomized Control Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 54 (actual)
• Sponsor: Montefiore Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

All front-line healthcare workers in the United States must receive PPE training but there is no gold standard for doing so(1). Training methods vary, with the conventional approaches being in-person or video presentations (2). In-person, hands-on training tends to be preferred, however staff shortages limit feasibility and contamination still occurs (2-4). Online modules and videos are also commonly utilized but pose problems including lack of student engagement, reduced accountability, and the limitations of teaching hands-on skills online (5,6). Nonetheless, immersive methods with active involvement and feedback have proven superior, but PPE shortages and social distancing guidelines limit their use (2). Virtual reality (VR) is a potential alternative, offering similar benefits to in-person training, such as immersion and feedback, while minimizing barriers related to timing, social distancing, and equipment shortages(7). Importantly, VR allows for repetitive practice while preserving PPE for clinical interactions. These qualities make VR a viable alternative, although its impact on donning and doffing quality is unknown. Studies regarding PPE training have found in-person and video methods to be comparable and computer simulations to effectively complement in-person training (5, 8, 9). However, to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the use of VR in PPE training. The investigators proposed a randomized, blinded intervention-control trial comparing VR versus e-module training in the teaching of donning and doffing PPE in associates and students affiliated with the Montefiore Medical Center.

Detailed description

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic highlighted concerns regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization in hospitals (10,11). When used correctly, PPE can prevent COVID-19 infection amongst exposed healthcare workers (12,13) . Evidence suggests that up to 90% of doffing procedures are performed incorrectly (14). This failure rate has been linked to healthcare workers being more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to the general community (15). As a result, authorities have turned to increased training as a potential solution (16). All front-line healthcare workers in the United States must receive PPE training but there is no gold standard for doing so(1). Training methods vary, with the conventional approaches being in-person or video presentations (2) In-person, hands-on training tends to be preferred, however, staff shortages limit feasibility and contamination still occurs 82% of the time (2-4). Online modules and videos are also commonly utilized but pose problems including lack of student engagement, reduced accountability, and the limitations of teaching hands-on skills online(5,6). Nonetheless, immersive methods with active involvement and feedback have proven superior, but PPE shortages and social distancing guidelines limit their use (2). Virtual reality (VR) is a potential alternative, offering similar benefits to in-person training, such as immersion and feedback, while minimizing barriers related to timing, social distancing, and equipment shortages(7). Importantly, VR allows for repetitive practice while preserving PPE for clinical interactions. These qualities make VR a viable alternative, although its impact on donning and doffing quality is unknown. Studies regarding PPE training have found in-person and video methods to be comparable and computer simulations to effectively complement in-person training (5, 8, 9). However, to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the use of VR in PPE training. The investigators proposed a randomized, blinded intervention-control trial comparing VR versus e-module training in the teaching of donning and doffing PPE in associates and students affiliated with the Montefiore Medical Center.

Conditions

• Medical Training

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Virtual Reality	The training included the following in the specified order: (1) A tutorial with an introduction to the program and a overview of the correct donning and doffing sequence, based on Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, (2) a training mode to practice the correct sequences with step-wise feedback, and (3) a testing mode that repeated until the sequence was completed perfectly without any mistakes. A study member was present to assist with the device and record the duration of training.
OTHER	E-module	The instructional video included step-by-step instruction and demonstration of adequate donning and doffing procedures. The 14-slide presentation contained the same content as used by the home institution for competency training, based on Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Participants were instructed to review the material however they liked and their duration of training was recorded.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-11-16
• Primary completion: 2021-01-27
• Completion: 2021-01-27
• First posted: 2021-06-24
• Last updated: 2021-06-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States