13 May 2017

Training doctors using VR

From This Way Up, 12:30 pm on 13 May 2017
Waitemata Immersive screenshot

Waitemata Immersive screenshot Photo: (Supplied)

'Fail fast' might be a viable philosophy if you're a start-up, but it's not so flash if you're a brain surgeon.

Virtual reality technology is already being touted as a safe, effective way to train our pilots, parole officers, surgeons, soldiers and bus drivers.  

In a kind of virtual dress rehearsal, they get to practice what to do when things go wrong.

The thinking is that this helps people respond in the right way when the VR headset is off and they encounter a real life scenario.

Sasha Kljakovic of The Institute for Innovation and Improvement at Waitemata DHB is about to start a pilot study using VR to train junior doctors in how to respond to emergencies.

You can try the course for yourself here.