Training Platform
The “Trial of Advanced CT Imaging and Combined Education Support for Drip & Ship (TACTICS)” stroke reperfusion trial is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded trial which aims to improve access to stroke reperfusion therapies – intravenous stroke thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) – particularly in regional Australia. The trial is evaluating the effectiveness of an education and training intervention supporting implementation of advanced acute stroke imaging, streamlined workflows and reperfusion pathways and protocols for reperfusion therapy delivery.
Virtual reality (VR) technology was identified to deliver workflow training to healthcare staff that:
Over 150 medical professionals have used TACTICS VR in the clinic. Users have been employed in a range of healthcare roles and hospital departments. They have provided very positive feedback on the training format, design and utility of TACTICS VR to train optimal stroke workflow management.
The TACTICS VR training environment has been developed to extend beyond the stand-alone VR headset. The platform includes:
Each training module is delivered via a stand-alone virtual reality headset and guides users through an interactive virtual patient’s journey. Content includes expert video, interactive information collection, workflow decision-making and real-time feedback on user performance.
The TACTICS VR websites assists clinical trial sites & VR users by providing additional information about the overall project, user guides and downloadable resources and contact information to access support.
TACTICS VR modules automatically transmit usage data via WiFi to a dedicated database server. Data collection is automated and anonymous, providing insight into VR usage and user performance. This approach also provides users with a training record and allows study staff and site coordinators to monitor training uptake and inform ongoing implementation.
