Emergency department nurses across NSW will benefit from an innovative virtual reality (VR) training program, designed to provide real-time experience in stroke care. The program, officially launched by NSW Health, will be implemented in 27 hospitals across the state and will provide immersive training to improve response times and outcomes for stroke patients.
Initiated by NSW Health, the VR training focuses on simulating real-time scenarios, allowing paramedics to practice and refine their skills during the critical first minutes of a stroke emergency. With 27 VR headsets distributed to regional, rural and metropolitan hospitals, the program targets facilities with limited exposure to stroke presentations, ensuring widespread access to this cutting-edge training.
Commenting on the initiative, the Minister of Health emphasised the importance of rapid response and treatment in stroke emergencies and was optimistic about the positive impact this innovative technology would have on nurse training.
The stroke VR nurse training program will be delivered in a number of local health districts, including regional hospitals in Tweed, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and others. In metropolitan areas, it will be delivered in hospitals such as Royal Prince Alfred, Prince of Wales, St Vincent's and Royal North Shore.
Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque, NSW Health Assistant Minister for Clinical Innovation and Research, highlighted the importance of the program in providing best practice stroke care, particularly in regional areas where access to stroke patients may be limited. The VR training complements the existing Telestroke Service, which provides video consultations for rapid access to stroke diagnosis and treatment.
Developed in collaboration with the Agency for Clinical Innovation and the University of Newcastle Centre for Advanced Training Systems, the TACTICS VR stroke training programme adds a new dimension to the health service's ongoing efforts to use technology to improve patient care.