A new virtual reality training program at Tucson Medical Center is helping train employees in tasks that can be high risk for injuries.

The new training allows for mistakes to happen without consequences for nurses, patient care technicians and environmental services staff.

And it can all happen in a 3-square-foot space.

β€œWe don’t need to waste a hospital room. We don’t need to waste product. … In virtual reality is automatic. You go reset, you make mistakes, you learn. You do it again and you can do it as many times as you need until you’re ready,” said Robin Moulder, the CEO of 3lbXR.

The hospital partnered with the company for the virtual reality pilot program that allows trainees to immerse themselves in health care settings to practice high-risk tasks.

β€œHaving an opportunity to do this kind of training, that is really considered high risk, in a safe environment where they can make mistakes and the mistakes don’t have any serious consequences because they can correct it and try it again,” said Dr. Anissa Guzman, director of professional practice for TMC.

This simulated training includes scenarios for nursing and environmental services staff in topics related to sanitation, room cleaning, falls and suicide prevention.

A headset is all that’s required to be transported to a virtual reality workspace that mirrors rooms at TMC.

β€œWe have limited resources in health care right now,” said Cam Dyman, TMC’s applications training lead. β€œWe need to be able to train our staff in a standardized and consistent manner, and this allows us to do that with minimal resources.”

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