Enhancing medical device training with hybrid physical-virtual simulators: smart peripherals for virtual devices

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2013:184:377-9.

Abstract

We introduce a novel platform for medical device training: hybrid physical-virtual simulators of medical devices, combining touchscreen-enabled virtual emulations of real devices with sensorized physical peripherals to enable tactile, hands-on interaction between the trainee, simulated device and standardized patients or mannequins. The system enables objective measurement and recording of trainee performance, including interactions with both the virtual device elements and the physical components, and can include metrics and feedback not available in the real device. The system also includes an integrated wireless signaling device for use with standardized patients. We present the implementation of an example system, a virtual defibrillator with sensorized paddles and wireless signaling of successful defibrillator operation.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Engineering / education*
  • Biomedical Engineering / instrumentation*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / instrumentation
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
  • Equipment and Supplies*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • User-Computer Interface*