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Virtual Reality Training Software Put to the Test at ASHE Conference

September 15, 2021
Brian Garbecki
Hundreds of healthcare facility professionals convened in Nashville, Tennessee August 8-11 for the 2021 American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) annual conference, and representatives from Gilbane were on hand to test out a new virtual reality (VR) training tool currently in development. Gilbane’s Media Studio partnered with ASHE, a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, earlier this year to create interactive VR training programs for their members.

VR Training Software

Focusing on Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) and code compliance, Gilbane created a virtual St. Hypothetical hospital that provides a realistic typical inpatient floor environment for users to walk through and identify various conditions to see how well the user recognized code or guideline violations. Once the issue was identified, players were asked what the specific violation was, and was shown the full code from National Fire Protection Association (FPA) 101, Life Safety Code, as applicable.

Once the testers were finished, representatives from both ASHE and Gilbane interviewed volunteers to get their feedback on the software. Over a two-day period, 32 health care professionals were able to test out the software and share their thoughts on the experience.

Monika Berrier, MS, PMP, Instructional Design Manager for ASHE, who attended the conference and spoke with the testers, was impressed by the feedback received. “This was the perfect opportunity to start testing our software with the people who would ultimately be using this training. We received some great feedback, and will use this information to move this training platform forward in conjunction with Gilbane.”

The applied use of VR technology as a training tool is especially effective in health care settings, where it provides a safe and controlled environment with realistic scenarios. Once launched, this platform will expand to include spaces throughout a health care facility including operating rooms, ICUs, central utility plants and more for simulation and training purposes.

Matt Zummo, the lead Media Studio designer on the project, added, “The application of this technology is endless. We can create a virtual environment for any type of healthcare space and adjust the difficulty level. This training can be used for people new to the field, or as a refresher for even the most experienced professional. And the virtual environment can dramatically increase engagement and information retention.”

We are excited to support ASHE through the development of this platform as both an educational tool as well as a testing program.

About Gilbane’s Media Studio

Gilbane’s in-house Media Studio team creates design visualizations that can be utilized as a powerful educational tool and a dynamic resource for planning and communication. Employing the latest in 2D, 3D and 4D imaging along with detailed modeling, professional photography, and videography, these visualizations move beyond simple renderings and basic storytelling by creating powerful visual representations of your project.

About ASHE

With more than 12,500 members, ASHE is the largest association devoted to professionals who design, build, maintain, and operate hospitals and other health care facilities. ASHE members include health care facility managers, engineers, architects, designers, constructors, infection control specialists, and others. ASHE, a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, is a trusted industry resource that provides education, regulatory guidance, networking, advocacy representation, and professional development for our members.




About Authors
Brian Garbecki is Gilbane’s Healthcare Center of Excellence leader. In this role, Brian works in partnership with our healthcare clients and project teams to advise in the programming, design, construction and occupancy of healthcare projects. Brian offers unique expertise gained from more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector as an engineer, builder and facilities professional.
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