Optimizing Clinical Training for the Treatment of PTSD Using Virtual Patients

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2009:144:264-8.

Abstract

Adequate treatment of PTSD is a growing concern for the military. However, there is a shortage of qualified personnel available to apply this treatment. Virtual patient systems offer a novel technology to enhance the training needs of such health providers. This pilot project builds on previous work done with virtual patients and describes a novel scenario wherein a virtual patient is immersed within an exposure therapy simulation while a clinician interacts and guides the virtual patient through the recovery process using exposure therapy for PTSD. While this work is ongoing, preliminary results will be presented.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Implosive Therapy*
  • Military Personnel
  • Pilot Projects
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / therapy
  • User-Computer Interface