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How do you train healthcare workers to recognise and manage Covid-19 before they have access to patients, or before people get sick?
Southern Institute of Technology nursing students are learning through ‘augmented reality’ – using holograms of actors portraying patients to prepare for managing Covid cases.
The new GIGXR HoloPatient Covid-19 scenario is a clinical assessment and management tool being used by tutors, which is fully interactive and shows patient monitoring data.
Bachelor of Nursing Year 2 programme manager Karyn Madden said using the Hololens Covid-19 scenario was the perfect platform to assist students in developing and refining their clinical assessment skills in a safe, controlled and supported learning environment.
SIT has been among the very first in New Zealand to embrace cutting-edge technology such as augmented reality for training students, with the first Hololens headsets acquired in July 2018.
In 2019 it scooped the Microsoft Innovation award for Tertiary ICT, for its progressive approach in taking on new technologies, including the Hololens for Nursing and virtual reality welding for Engineering.
The technology offered nursing students the chance to learn from the latest international understanding of coronavirus, how to handle an evolving clinical situation, and provided a completely safe environment free from any risk of contracting Covid-19.
“Being able to work with holographic patients is actually even better than real life, as it’s safer and provides a much wider range of clinical situations than would otherwise be possible,” Ms Madden said.
The continued investment in technology ensures SIT students receive one of the most contemporary education experiences currently available.