Transforming Tracheostomy Training with Virtual Reality

Background:

Tracheostomy care, especially in emergency situations, is a critical skill for healthcare professionals. Studies have shown that complications like accidental displacement and tube obstruction are common, with rates of 21% in intensive care and 24.3% in ward environments. Despite the importance of proper tracheostomy management, traditional classroom training methods are resource-heavy, often requiring staff to leave clinical duties. In collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals’ ENT department, Goggleminds® introduced Trachosim®, a virtual reality solution, to improve the accessibility of tracheostomy training and reduce these challenges.

The Solution:

Goggleminds® deployed Trachosim® at Oxford University Hospitals, allowing staff from multiple specialities—such as ENT, neurology, paediatrics, and emergency departments—to access VR-based tracheostomy training modules. The modules included simulations for both adult and paediatric tracheostomy emergencies, as well as routine care procedures such as inner cannula assessments, dressing changes, and cuff pressure management. The portable VR equipment provided a high-fidelity training experience without requiring integration with NHS Trust systems or a dedicated clinical educator. This innovative approach has led to higher engagement and better retention of knowledge compared to traditional classroom-based methods.

Data and Impact:

A 12-month study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of VR training with traditional face-to-face teaching. Healthcare professionals were split into two groups—those who received standard teaching and those who also received VR training. The study revealed that:

• On Day 0, the mean score for the VR group was 7.26, compared to 6.33 for the non-VR group.
• By Day 30, retention remained significantly higher in the VR group, with a mean score of 6.88, compared to 4.63 in the non-VR group.

This demonstrates that VR-based training not only enhances initial knowledge acquisition but also improves long-term retention.

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Key Figure 1:

• Stat: 48% Higher Knowledge Retention with VR.
• After 30 days, VR-trained staff retained 48% more knowledge than those with traditional training.

Key Figure 2:

• Stat: 10+ Medical Specialities Trained.
• Over 10 departments, including ENT and Emergency, used Trachosim® for their training.

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Conclusion:

The implementation of Trachosim® has shown that virtual reality can offer comparable or even superior training outcomes to traditional methods, without the logistical constraints of face-to-face education. With desktop access soon to be available, Goggleminds® is poised to make this innovative training tool even more accessible across various specialities.