Authors: Renee C. Willett, MD, Bradford H. Ralston, MD, Alejandro Martinez-Herrada, MD, Todd Chang, MD, MAeD, Gregory Yurasek, MD

High-fidelity mannequin simulations are valuable for pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) training, but their high costs and logistical demands limit scalability. This prospective study evaluated virtual reality (VR) as a cost-effective alternative by comparing trainee performance in VR scenarios against traditional mannequin simulations. Fourteen pediatric cardiology and cardiac critical care fellows completed four acute CICU scenarios: supraventricular tachycardia, postoperative hypotension, pulmonary hypertensive crisis, and hypoxia with bradycardia, using both modalities in a crossover design.

Evaluated through critical action checklists and post-simulation tests, results showed no statistically significant difference in performance between VR and mannequin simulations ($p = 0.463$), with trainees averaging an 87% post-test score in both modalities. Participants reported high overall satisfaction, noting VR’s superior immersiveness. Researchers concluded that VR provides an equivalent learning experience to mannequins while offering substantial portability, lower long-term costs, and superior flexibility.

The full research article can be found here.

Children’s National Hospital has used the SimX platform in its simulation training.