Increasing radiography capacity with VR simulation

Until recently, radiographers have only been able to improve their skills using an actual CT scanner. But access to these scanners is very limited due to their relative scarcity and patient demand. So GE Healthcare wanted help creating a VR environment that opened up more opportunities for their trainees – not only by increasing the number of practical training hours but also by training radiographers in more procedures.

An ultra-realistic scanner simulation transformed how hands-on training is delivered and measured, reducing equipment downtime and increasing capacity to meet patient demand

To create a genuinely valuable experience for radiographers, we worked closely with our clients to develop an unprecedented level of detail in the new VR training programme. Real-life interactions for operating the CT machine are computer-based, so we built full software simulations into the flow, including the final scan images. This required simulating hundreds of steps, whilst keeping the ability to make mistakes in a safe environment. A senior CTCA-accredited radiographer described feeling right at home’ after spending an hour in the simulation.