“We’ve developed a tool that allows students to operate a virtual LINAC machine while an instructor observes,” says Craig.
“It’s low cost and can be set up quickly, which allows more students in any location across the country to receive truly immersive training in using this device.”
The LINAC fires high-energy X-rays directly into tumours, so operating it safely and positioning a patient precisely is imperative.
“Being able to walk around this large, noisy machine and line up the lasers to match the exact point of a tumour in a patient is really important, and we’ve incorporated this into the VR tool,” says Brian. “The immersive aspect and the interactivity of VR provide crucial elements of the training, and we’ve received great feedback from students and instructors about how realistic and useful it is.”
The next stage is to implement a multi-user experience that replicates aspects of a classroom for students in remote locations. Craig says this can be done with portable VR headsets that allow students to join classmates and trainers for virtual lessons.
“The technology is so flexible, so powerful. It’s improving all the time, and also becoming much less expensive. There are so many potential healthcare applications.”
As with many projects delving into the VR realm, new potential uses for the technology often arise, and the researchers have already begun exploring various ideas, including virtual surgical medical training and using VR as a pain management tool. Having the benefit of both an engineering and health perspective means the pair are continuing to uncover more applications, and are working with Wellington UniVentures, the University’s commercialisation office, to explore commercial opportunities for their research.
“The technology is so flexible, so powerful. It’s improving all the time, and also becoming much less expensive,” says Craig.
“There are so many potential healthcare applications.”