VR training for critical tasks - assembling the INSPIRE emergency pulmonary ventilator for COVID-19 treatment

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a VR system designed to train health professionals and volunteers to properly assemble the replaceable pneumatic circuit of the Inspire emergency pulmonary ventilator. The simulator's primary goal is to internalize a mindful attitude in the trainee, as even minor mistakes may lead to disastrous consequences during the machine's operation, such as sequels and even patient death. The system was based on the state of the art of medical VR training and proposes innovative ways to communicate and demonstrate instructions, possible repercussions of mistakes, and feedback mechanisms to portray step completion and execution accuracy. The main challenge was dealing with standard VR systems' limitations, particularly the absence of force feedback.