Department of Nephrology, Klinikum Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany,
Weltenmacher GmbH, VR Training-Application, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Blood Purif. 2019;47(1-3):265-269. doi: 10.1159/000494595. Epub 2018 Dec 6.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Peritonitis rates in peritoneal dialysis (PD) vary considerably not only across countries but also between centers in the same country. Patient education has been shown to significantly reduce infection rates but up till now training lacks standardization with patients being trained using different methods and media (e.g., illustrations, videos). As a result, patients may be insufficiently experienced in performing PD, which might be one of the causes for high peritonitis rates. To address these issues, we developed a PD training program based on virtual reality (VR).
To become acquainted with the PD procedure, patients are equipped with a VR headset and controllers. They are presented with a virtual PD set, which simulates the feeling of sitting in front of a real PD set. The patient is enabled to run through the program as often as necessary to become familiarized with the whole PD procedure. The aim is to standardize, facilitate, and accelerate the individual learning process. To compare the effect of the applied training method to traditional training, a randomized controlled trial is underway.
Previous studies on the effectiveness of learning showed that VR training applications are superior to traditional methods, such as text- or video-based training. However, no study has been undertaken in the context of dialysis. We believe that the implementation of VR training programs in clinical practice will be beneficial in improving the patient's proficiency, and thereby the quality and safety of PD.
背景/目的：腹膜透析（PD）的腹膜炎发生率不仅在各国之间存在很大差异，而且在同一国家的中心之间也存在很大差异。已经证明，患者教育可以显著降低感染率，但迄今为止，培训缺乏标准化，患者接受的培训方法和媒介（例如插图、视频）各不相同。因此，患者在进行 PD 方面的经验可能不足，这可能是腹膜炎发生率高的原因之一。为了解决这些问题，我们开发了一种基于虚拟现实（VR）的 PD 培训计划。
为了熟悉 PD 程序，患者配备了 VR 耳机和控制器。他们被展示了一个虚拟 PD 套件，模拟坐在真实 PD 套件前的感觉。患者可以根据需要多次运行程序，以熟悉整个 PD 程序。其目的是标准化、简化和加速个人学习过程。为了比较所应用的培训方法与传统培训方法的效果，正在进行一项随机对照试验。
先前关于学习效果的研究表明，VR 培训应用优于传统方法，例如基于文本或视频的培训。然而，在透析背景下尚未进行过此类研究。我们相信，在临床实践中实施 VR 培训计划将有利于提高患者的熟练程度，从而提高 PD 的质量和安全性。
