Digitised remote delivery of simulation in psychiatry during the pandemic and for the future

Introduction

Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust’s AVATr (Augmented Virtual-reality Avatar in Training) is a unique ground-breaking Virtual Patient simulation system, which uses the Xenodu platform to train learners in essential clinical and complex communication skills. Over 30 patient scenarios have been developed after identifying learner-specific development needs, including exploration of overt psychosis, assessment of capacity, sharing bad news, and neglect in care home residents.

During the session, the trainee is projected on to a large screen, using a camera and video special effects, which results in a life-like interaction with the Virtual Patient. Trainees can view themselves interacting with the Virtual Patient in real-time, from a unique ’out-of-body’ perspective, immersed in a customdesigned interactive virtual environment. This is different to a first-person perspective used in virtual or augmented-reality systems in several clinical specialties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we evolved the AVATr model to remote or hybrid sessions, where simulations were digitally enhanced, and have been run through Microsoft Teams. The simulation facilitator is connected to a multi-user video call, enabling the Virtual Patient to be projected as an attendee using Microsoft Teams.

Objectives

To evaluate the feedback from Doctors in training taking part on the education sessions.

Methods

We collected qualitiative and quanttaive infromation from participants after the teaching session.

Results

We received strongly positive reults in all parameters measured. the presenters will show a detailed breakdoen in the session.

Conclusions

The digitalised delivery of the virtual patient simulation, has been pivotal in limiting interruptions to communication skills training in mental health.

Disclosure

The NHS trust has co produced the simulation platform with a private software firm Xenadu Virtual Environments

I can see what you are doing: Action familiarity and affordance promote recovery from extinction

We assessed the effects of three factors on recovery from extinction in patients with lesions including the posterior parietal lobe: (a) whether objects were frequently used together in action versus whether they could be used in action together; (b) whether there was an effect of positioning objects for action; and (c) whether the surface properties of objects mediated performance. There was greater recovery from extinction for objects used frequently together, along with effects produced by objects that could be used together. There were also positive effects of correctly positioning objects for action. There were no effects of surface information on the benefit of reporting both members of a pair, though there were some effects on error trials. The results provide positive evidence for an effect on attention of affordances based on objects falling in plausible co-locations for action. Such affordances may also be influenced by the frequency with which objects are used together and can be generated from edge-based representations of objects (surface colour and depth are not necessary). However, surface-based representations may influence the speed with which action-related properties of objects engage attention.

Testing nursing theory cross-culturally

For nursing science to be recognized globally, nursing theory must be tested in various cultural settings to prove its universality. Below, an overview of a study of cross-cultural nursing theory development in three German-speaking countries of Europe and its implications for clinical practice.

Nursing in Slovenia

Nursing in Slovenia is undergoing an extensive series of changes as the country adjusts to its recent independence. Nursing is succeeding in its professional development with the establishment of university degree programmes, active participation at international conferences and contributions to international publications. Nursing research is being carried out by individual nurses and through the WHO Collaborating Centre. Continued professionalization is being planned and the Nurses Association of Slovenia is vital to its implementation.