Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Stroke code simulations have gained popularity as an educational model for neurology resident and fellow training in the diagnosis and management of hyperacute stroke. Previous simulations have used live patients or standardized patients as surrogates for learners to interact with in the simulated codes. While these provide high fidelity, there can be significant costs associated with the training and deployment of standardized patients, as well as potential for inconsistencies from encounter to encounter. A novel 3D virtual reality based simulator (Dancing Eyes LLC, Skaneateles, NY) aims to reduce the costs of running stroke code simulations while maintaining high fidelity and encounter consistency. It can also have the additional benefit of being utilized at the convenience of the trainee’s schedule, reducing logistical hurdles for scheduling and organizing simulations. METHODS: Neurology residents (who have previously experienced live simulation stroke codes with standardized patients) will undergo simulation encounters using the 3D virtual reality‐based simulator. We will enroll 20–25 residents at post graduate year levels (PGY) 2–4. Following the simulated encounter, a debriefing session is conducted for learners to review the case, share their experience, and provide additional feedback. A post‐simulation survey will be comnducted that solicits trainee experience with the VR simulator in defined domains such as comfort, ease of use, fidelity, and overall educational experience and value. RESULTS: The VR simulator has been designed to be worn over the face and can be adjusted for trainee comfort. The simulator integrates imaging, labs, the ability to use a virtual NIH‐stroke‐scale booklet, and other neurologic examination tools by virtually grabbing them or selecting them from a panel user interface. The simulated VR patient registers the trainee’s voice and shows the speech that was detected. It then attempts to answer the question or perform the issued command based on variables that have been pre‐programmed for the specific encounter/simulation. Trainees are able to perform a full NIH stroke scale assessment on the simulated patient. We aim to report the results of our study in time for the SVIN Annual Meeting/update deadline prior to the meeting. CONCLUSIONS: Figure 1 shows a trainee using the VR simulator in a simulated stroke code encounter, as well as a rendering of the simulated patient. The VR simulator aims to serve as a high‐fidelity, low‐cost, convenient and consistent training modality for stroke code simulation and enhance trainees ability and comfort with diagnosis and management of hyperacute stroke.