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In a new study published in JMIR Medical Education, Dr. Lukasz Mazur and his team have explored the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance the culture of patient safety within healthcare settings. This innovative project, funded by the ºÚÁÏÍø Center for Health Innovation, Innovation Pilot Awards, represents a step forward in leveraging advanced technology to address critical issues in patient care.

Dr. Mazur is a Professor of Radiation Oncology and Information & Library Science and Director of the Division of Healthcare Engineering at ºÚÁÏÍø Chapel Hill. His 2022 Innovation Pilot Award’s objective was to assess the impact of an immersive VR-based educational intervention on improving surgeons’ safety behaviors and their understanding of training concepts. The research involved a mixed methods approach, observing safety behaviors of 83 surgeons using the Teamwork Evaluation of Non-Technical Skills (TENTS) instrument. The VR intervention included a 45-minute immersive training session based on TeamSTEPPS principles, followed by debriefing sessions.

Findings indicated that the VR heightened participants’ awareness of how fatigue, dismissive communication, and team dynamics impact psychological safety in the operating room. By simulating real-world scenarios, it demonstrated how exhaustion and distractions compromise decision-making, how seemingly minor quips or sarcasm can erode team cohesion, and how validating trainee concerns fosters a culture of safety and respect. This reinforced the importance of clear, professional communication and proactive leadership in creating a supportive and effective surgical intervention.

The results were promising, with the VR-trained surgeons showing statistically significant improvements in 90% of the safety behaviors compared to those who did not undergo the intervention. These behavioral changes were attributed to the immersive experience and enhanced understanding of teamwork and communication concepts.

Dr. Mazur’s study underscores the potential of VR in healthcare education, demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering a culture of patient safety. While the findings are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to confirm the generalizability of these results.

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