The University of Newcastle were searching for a way to realistically teach their Speech Pathology students how to treat paediatric patients. To bring about a learning experience that would enrich and compliment theoretical coursework, the Speech Pathology VR training component allows students to gain a realistic understanding of the differences and nuances involved in working with children.
Start Beyond developed a VR speech therapy training component that was implemented into the Speech Pathology course at the University of Newcastle.
This immersive VR training component is aimed at allowing students to gain realistic experience of working with children patients as working only with adult patients sets impractical expectations.
The two scenarios carried out in the VR training solution gives students the opportunity to conduct an oral examination on two different pediatric patients - which in turn begins to alleviate an important knowledge and skills gap.
“The VROMA tool will have a major positive impact (on my clinical skills). It allowed me to see how to conduct an assessment in a professional manner, as well as how to keep a child enthusiastic, positive, and engaged... It was like you were in the room with them and it made every step so much more visual” - 2nd year speech pathology student, Evidence of Impact: The use of virtual reality to teach a clinical skill in speech pathology, Walters and Unicom, UON, 2021.
Watch the video Case Study below...
In each scenario, students interact and conduct an oral muscular assessment from the perspective of the speech pathologist. By using the Oculus Quest controllers to reach out and select the next steps of the process, students engage and interact in real-time with their patient.
Now that there are no restrictions around accessing real-world training with paediatric patients, students are able to gain crucial skills whilst also learning faster and more accurately from this simulated experience.
