85: A Virtual Reality Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator Simulator Versus Conventional Perfusion Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial
ASAIO Journal, vol. 70, pp. 107
Abstract
Introduction: This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality (VR) Extracorporeal Circulation Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) simulator versus conventional video training in teaching ICU nurses how to perform an ECMO circuit check. Materials & Methods: Participants (n=35) were cardiothoracic and ICU nurses with no prior ECMO experience and were randomized to either video training or VR-ECMO simulator (sim) training. The video training replicated a standard ECMO circuit check lesson, while the VR-ECMO sim covered the same material and steps. After training, participants performed a circuit check on a physical test circuit with a real ECMO machine, which was scored for accuracy and time. The control group also had the opportunity to try the VR-ECMO sim, and all VR participants completed a Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use (USE) questionnaire. Results: Results showed that the VR group made significantly fewer mistakes (1.1 per test) compared to the control group (2.1 per test, p=0.006). Although the VR group’s mean completion time (212 seconds) was shorter than the control group’s (237 seconds), this difference was not significant. The USE questionnaire revealed that 97% of participants felt they learned a lot from the VR-ECMO sim, 97% enjoyed the simulation, and 97% were satisfied with its quality. Additionally, 100% found it realistic. Conclusion: In conclusion, the VR-ECMO sim provided superior training for ECMO circuit checks compared to conventional training, resulting in significantly fewer mistakes. Participants found the VR training highly useful, realistic, and enjoyable.
Authors 7
-
Samuel A Max Aachen
Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
-
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
-
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
-
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
-
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
-
Affiliation as printed
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
-
Edris A.F. Mahtab Aachen
Leiden University Medical Center
Affiliation as printed
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
Cited by 0 stored of 0
No patents citing this paper on Lens.org (checked 2026-10-11).