Humber deploys virtual reality for OR training

TORONTO – Humber River Health (Humber) has integrated virtual reality into training for its operating room (OR) nurses, enabling the organization to advance orthopedic surgical care and optimize efficiency and patient safety. Orthopedic surgeries require precision, coordination and seamless teamwork among surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Humber is implementing PrecisionOS – a virtual reality surgery training provider – to strengthen the collaborative and cohesive surgical team relationship in the OR.

By initiating training programs that immerse nurses in realistic surgical simulations, PrecisionOS provides hands-on surgical experience in a simulation-based environment. Its training program will be implemented at Humber to equip OR nurses with a deeper understanding of their roles and influence in delivering quality patient care.

Guided by its mission of delivering innovative, safe and equitable care, Humber converges new technologies with clinical expertise to accelerate progress in healthcare services.

Jhanvi Solanki, Vice President of Clinical Programs at Humber, notes how PrecisionOS directly aligns with Humber’s vision of lighting new ways in healthcare. “At Humber, our commitment to patient safety and excellence in care is unwavering. Integrating the unique capabilities of PrecisionOS into our orthopedic surgical workflows underscores our dedication to leveraging innovative technology to drive continuous improvement.”

PrecisionOS is a global leader in evidence-based immersive medical education for the healthcare sector. CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Danny Goel, is on a mission to transform medical education by incorporating lifelike simulation experiences into surgical training.

“This software offers a realistic, immersive collaborative training experience, enabling surgeons and surgical teams to hone their skills in a risk-free environment. By embracing PrecisionOS, Humber is investing in the future of orthopedic care,” said Dr. Goel.

The integration of PrecisionOS is aligned to nursing education advancements and best practices, reflective of those outlined in the recently released Best Practice Guideline (BPG) entitled Clinical Practice in a Digital Health Environment, co-chaired by the late Dr. Vanessa Burkoski, RN, former Chief Nursing Executive and Chief, People Strategy, Humber River Health and Maureen Charlebois, RN, Chief Nursing and Clinical Officer, Bayshore HealthCare.

Issued by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, this BPG delivers a framework for adapting the nursing practice, professional growth, and evidence-based learning to an increasingly digital healthcare setting.

PrecisionOS provides the groundwork needed to foster progressive learning experiences and environments to engage nursing skill training and advance the care of patients receiving orthopedic surgery. The mission is to build a changed learning environment that will deepen the surgical team relationship to the benefit of patient care within Humber’s surgery program.

Ashley Dindyal is a Clinical Practice Leader – Operating Room at Humber and responsible for organizing the training sessions with PrecisionOS. She highlights how nurses are integral to the success of every surgery and notes the importance of comprehensive team training. “PrecisionOS provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of procedures and collaborate more effectively with our surgical colleagues, ensuring a smoother and safer patient experience.”

Orthopedic surgeons performing procedures at Humber will be tasked with leading nurses through the training. The intent is that nurses who complete the training will gain a stronger understanding of their unique contributions in the OR, helping them see additional ways to apply their expertise throughout the surgical process.

“In complex surgeries, every member of the team plays a crucial role,” says Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee procedures at Humber. “By training together using PrecisionOS, we can refine our teamwork, communication, and technical skills, ultimately delivering better outcomes for our patients.”

The deployment of PrecisionOS at Humber marks a significant step forward in the evolution of orthopedic surgical training. Through this initiative, Humber is reinforcing its commitment to adopting and investing in innovations that not only support improved patient outcomes, but the expertise and experiences of its healthcare professionals.