Endotracheal intubation is a procedure in which a tube is passed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to maintain an airway and provide artificial respiration. We have developed AirwayVR, a VR based simulation trainer for medical professionals to learn and practice endotracheal intubation without harming patients.
Endotracheal intubation is a procedure by which a tube is inserted through the mouth down into the trachea. The doctor often inserts the tube with the help of a laryngoscope, which permits the healthcare provider to see the glottis and the vocal cords. It is a complex psychomotor skill, and a potentially lifesaving procedure used in many clinical situations. Several studies have demonstrated improved outcome in critically ill and injured patients if the airway is secured early using tracheal intubation. The best way to master this skill is to perform as many intubations as possible, get feedback in a secure, non-life-threatening environment, and periodically carry out refresher courses to maintain the skill once acquired.
We have developed AirwayVR, a VR based simulation trainer to learn and practice endotracheal intubation. VR based simulation trainer brings an effective training environment to medical students, nurses and other professionals at an early stage, and allows them to have the flexibility of practicing as many times as they want to master the skill.
Acknowledgments: The Jump ARCHES Endowment Award supports the development of AirwayVR- virtual Intubation trainer for Endotracheal Intubation. We would like to acknowledge the support from Health Care Engineering Systems Center at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, OSF HealthCare and the University of Chicago for the development of this project.
Team Information: Airway VR, Pavithra Rajeswaran
Simulation Engineer | Health Care Engineering Systems Center
[email protected] or [email protected]
