Implementation of a clinical decision support system using virtual reality for psychiatric technician: A feasibility and acceptability project

ABSTRACT

Background Significance: A shortage of clinical sites has made it difficult for the psychiatric technician (PT) to practice skills, such as therapeutic communication. Therapeutic communication is an important component of the PT curriculum. The development of virtual reality (VR) software has the potential to enhance communication skills, addressing students' self-efficacy when communicating with patients suffering from mental illness. Problem: A lack of available clinical sites and COVID-19 has made it challenging for students to obtain hands-on performance skills, including their ability to develop the skill of therapeutic communication, and complete their training and certification. PT students are required to develop skills to assess the status of a patient's mental state and appropriately interact with their clients. Traditionally, this has been accomplished via on-site clinical experiences at health care sites. Methods: This was a feasibility and acceptability project using post-implementation surveys. The Simulation Evaluation Tool-Modified (SET-M) evaluates how well simulation met student learning outcomes, communication skills, and self-perception on ability to communicate. The System Usability Scale (SUS) evaluates the usability of the VR simulation technology. Interventions: A VR scenario featuring a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was designed, and developed. The platform allowed the student to make critical decisions through the given scenario. Development of the scenario was guided by the "INACSL Standards of Best Practice" of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder" of the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA). Content for the scenario was approved by content experts for validity. Training on the use of the VR platform was provided for faculty and PT students prior to completing the VR scenario. Evaluation Data were analyzed to determine if the project aims were achieved. The aims of this project were to (a) develop a 3D immersive clinical decision scenario using VR platform;(b) assess acceptance of the new technology;and (c) measure communication skills in a 3D VR environment. Results: The results of this project suggested that most students (84%) agreed that the VR software was easy to use. Ninety-six percent of students felt more confident in clinical decision and communication skills with the PTSD patient. The implementation of the VR was feasible and acceptable to students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)