Using virtual reality and simulation to make hospitals safer and prevent bloodstream infections
Center for Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation: A Patient Safety Learning Lab advancing patient safety through design, systems engineering, and health services research
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-11192924
This project uses virtual reality, simulation, and systems design to help healthcare teams reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11192924 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team will create and use virtual reality and augmented-reality training scenarios so clinicians can practice safe central line care in realistic settings. Researchers will apply systems engineering methods to find weaknesses in current processes and design better workflows and tools. The project will build a patient- and family-informed learning lab that brings together different health professionals to test and refine those solutions. The team will then implement and track changes in real clinical settings to see if infection rates fall.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Hospitalized patients who have or will have a central venous catheter (central line) and their families, as well as the clinical teams who care for them, are the people most likely to be involved or affected.
Not a fit: People who are not hospitalized or who do not have central lines would likely not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower the risk of dangerous bloodstream infections for patients with central lines by improving clinician practices and systems of care.
How similar studies have performed: Team training and systems-engineering approaches have previously helped reduce some hospital infections, but using immersive VR/AR specifically for preventing CLABSI is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE — UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PANDIAN, VINCIYA — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- Study coordinator: PANDIAN, VINCIYA
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 below.