Introduction to NMSU’s Innovative Program
New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has launched a groundbreaking virtual reality program designed to boost clinical nutrition training for college kids in food, nutrition, and dietetics programs. This revolutionary approach goals to supply immersive and interactive learning experiences, specializing in emotional communication, counseling, and clinical procedures.
The Virtual Reality Program
The program, titled "Nutrition Counselor VR: Training Program for Health Practitioners," allows users to interact with 4 different patients, each with unique needs and responses. By wearing a virtual reality headset, students can engage with these virtual patients, exploring various approaches to care and receiving feedback based on their decisions. The program’s dynamic nature ensures that every session is distinct, with multiple pathways and outcomes depending on the user’s selections.
Key Features and Benefits
The virtual reality program was developed by the media production team from NMSU’s Innovative Media Research and Extension and Learning Games Lab. This team aimed to expand access to high-quality, standardized supervised practice, particularly for college kids from rural or underserved backgrounds. By creating emotionally wealthy and interesting simulations, this system reflects the true challenges practitioners face when supporting patients through complex health situations.
Expert Insights and Feedback
Gaby Phillips, Director of the College of ACES Dietetic Internship Program, emphasizes the importance of this virtual reality training: "These virtual reality case studies are filling a critical gap in immersive simulation training for future registered dietitians. This project helps prepare dietetic students to attach meaningfully with VR patients, constructing clinical knowledge, developing bedside manners skills comparable to empathy, and increasing confidence of their clinical decision-making."
Accessibility and Availability
The "Nutrition Counselor VR" app is obtainable on Meta’s App Lab and for Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3, making it accessible to a big selection of users. The project was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Higher Education Challenge Grant Program, in collaboration with the NMSU Dietetic Internship Program, Rutgers University, Institute of Continuing Education for Nutrition Professionals, and New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Conclusion
The "Nutrition Counselor VR" program represents a major step forward in dietitian training and nutrition counseling education. By providing immersive, interactive, and emotionally engaging experiences, this virtual reality program helps students develop essential skills in clinical nutrition, counseling, and patient communication. As noted by Barbara Chamberlin, Department Head of Innovative Media Research and Extension, "Our initial research has users discussing how ‘real’ the experience feels… We’re pleased with the work, pleased with the team, and excited to see how this application helps shape the longer term of dietitian training and nutrition counseling education." With its concentrate on accessibility and inclusivity, this program has the potential to make a long-lasting impact on the sector of nutrition and dietetics.
