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Objectives: To assess advanced communication skills among second-year medical students exposed either to a computer simulation (MPathic-VR) featuring virtual humans, or to a multimedia computer-based learning module, and to understand each group's experiences and learning preferences., Methods: A single-blinded, mixed methods, randomized, multisite trial compared MPathic-VR (N=210) to computer-based learning (N=211). Primary outcomes: communication scores during repeat interactions with MPathic-VR's intercultural and interprofessional communication scenarios and scores on a subsequent advanced communication skills objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes., Secondary Outcomes: student attitude surveys and qualitative assessments of their experiences with MPathic-VR or computer-based learning., Results: MPathic-VR-trained students improved their intercultural and interprofessional communication performance between their first and second interactions with each scenario. They also achieved significantly higher composite scores on the OSCE than computer-based learning-trained students. Attitudes and experiences were more positive among students trained with MPathic-VR, who valued its providing immediate feedback, teaching nonverbal communication skills, and preparing them for emotion-charged patient encounters., Conclusions: MPathic-VR was effective in training advanced communication skills and in enabling knowledge transfer into a more realistic clinical situation., Practice Implications: MPathic-VR's virtual human simulation offers an effective and engaging means of advanced communication training., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study represents the first in a series aimed at examining how individuals monitor maternal-fetal heart rate signals over an extended period of time. Seventy-two undergraduate students monitored simulated maternal-fetal heart rate signals for late decelerations of either high or low amplitude for 48 minutes. The results showed that the ability to detect late decelerations was quite good and did not decline over time. Although the findings regarding detections are encouraging, the participants also made a lot of false alarms. Collectively, these results suggest that the observers still struggled to distinguish critical patterns from the background fetal heart activity.

Surgical simulators are an integration of many models, capabilities, and functions. Development of a working simulator requires the flexibility to integrate various software models, to support interoperability, and facilitate performance optimizations. An object oriented framework is devised to support multithreaded integration of simulation, deformation, and interaction. A demonstration application has been implemented in Java, leveraging the features that are built into the language including multithreading, synchronization, and serialization. Future work includes expanding the capabilities of the framework with a broader range of model and interactive capabilities.

A simulation-based training system for surgical wound debridement was developed and comprises a multimedia introduction, a surgical simulator (tutorial component), and an assessment component. The simulator includes two PCs, a haptic device, and mirrored display. Debridement is performed on a virtual leg model with a shallow laceration wound superimposed. Trainees are instructed to remove debris with forceps, scrub with a brush, and rinse with saline solution to maintain sterility. Research and development issues currently under investigation include tissue deformation models using mass-spring system and finite element methods; tissue cutting using a high-resolution volumetric mesh and dynamic topology; and accurate collision detection, cutting, and soft-body haptic rendering for two devices within the same haptic space.