Introduction to Virtual Reality in Public Health Training
Public health emergencies require diverse and effective distance-based education and training options for public health and clinical laboratory professionals. To address this need, the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) has incorporated Virtual Reality (VR) into its laboratory training and workforce development toolbox. This revolutionary approach combines cutting-edge technology with instructional design principles to offer laboratory professionals with a protected and controlled learning environment.
Benefits of Virtual Reality in Laboratory Training
VR offers laboratory professionals the chance to use, assess, and improve their skills without real-world consequences. This signifies that learners could make mistakes and learn from them in a simulated environment, reducing the chance of errors in real-life situations. In 2019, DLS launched a three-year pilot project in partnership with the Center for Preparedness and Response to develop the first-ever CDC VR Laboratory training course.
Objectives of the Pilot Project
The pilot project aimed to:
- Develop a VR training course for laboratory professionals
- Investigate whether laboratory learners gain skills along with knowledge when experiencing CDC VR training courses
- Identify criteria for training goals and topics that will profit most from incorporating VR technology into CDC distance-based learning
DLS Virtual Reality Training Project Highlights
The DLS designed, developed, pilot-tested, and evaluated a VR training course focused on organising a biological safety cabinet (BSC). The course was designed to complement an existing BSC eLearning training course and teach learners the best way to properly arrange a biosafety cabinet in a BSL-2 environment. The pilot test was conducted with 59 CDC staff, including those with and without experience using a BSC.
Evaluation Results
The evaluation results showed that VR training could possibly be an efficient training modality to enhance learners’ confidence and teach laboratory skills. The results included:
- 94% of pilot-testers with BSC experience agreed that VR technology gave them practical experience using a BSC
- 95% of pilot-testers agreed that the inclusion of VR technology made it easier to learn the content
- 95% of pilot-testers agreed that the VR technology was easy to make use of
- 100% of pilot-testers with no BSC experience reported increased confidence using the abilities
Facts and Statistics
The pilot test results demonstrated the effectiveness of VR training in laboratory settings. The statistics highlight the potential of VR technology to boost laboratory training and improve learner outcomes.
VR Modality Selection Criteria
The results of the pilot test will inform DLS’ future decisions on incorporating VR technology into laboratory training resources. When determining whether to make use of VR in CDC laboratory training resources, DLS will consider the next criteria:
- Training goals that require strengthening cognitive mental skills, psychomotor skills, and affective skills
- Safety concerns in traditional training situations
- Cost, location, or time convenience of coaching
- Complexity or abstractness of the training topic
Conclusion
The incorporation of Virtual Reality into laboratory training has shown promising leads to improving learner outcomes and confidence. The DLS pilot project demonstrates the potential of VR technology to boost laboratory training and supply a protected and controlled learning environment for laboratory professionals. As the sphere of public health continues to evolve, using VR technology is prone to play an increasingly vital role in laboratory training and workforce development.
