Training health professionals in airway care using virtual reality
Official title: Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Care: Virtual Reality Training for Health Professionals
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10632133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a fun virtual reality training program to help nurses and speech therapists learn how to care for cancer patients who have special breathing needs, so they can feel more confident and skilled in their work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R25CA254846-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10632133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthcare professionals in training or early in their careers who are focusing on airway and voice care for cancer patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a tracheostomy or laryngectomy, or those who are not involved in the healthcare training process, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a virtual reality curriculum designed to train healthcare professionals, including nurses and speech-language pathologists, in providing care for cancer patients with tracheostomies or laryngectomies. The project involves developing VR modules that cover foundational knowledge, routine care, and emergency procedures related to airway management. The curriculum will be refined through expert reviews and user feedback to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. By utilizing immersive technology, the training seeks to enhance the skills and confidence of clinicians in managing complex airway issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of care provided to cancer patients with airway management needs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that virtual reality training can enhance clinical skills and knowledge retention, indicating a promising approach for this innovative curriculum.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Searl, Jeffrey P. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Searl, Jeffrey P.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.