Actively Recruiting
Self-Guided Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Mannequin-based Simulators to Teach the Ultrasound-Guided Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Block: A Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Study
Led by The Ottawa Hospital · Updated on 2025-06-24
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether immersive virtual reality (iVR) training is as effective as traditional mannequin-based simulators for teaching medical staff how to perform the ultrasound-guided supra-inguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) nerve block. This nerve block is important for managing pain in patients with hip fractures, potentially improving recovery and reducing hospital stays and healthcare costs. The study focuses on staff and trainees from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and orthopedic surgery at The Ottawa Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group trains using a newly developed iVR simulator that features realistic human anatomy and allows practice of needling and injections, while the other group trains using a high-fidelity mannequin and gel-based part-task trainer. Both groups receive educational materials and videos before their self-directed 60-minute practice sessions. Skill assessments occur before training, immediately after, and again one month later using a hybrid simulator combining a mannequin and soft embalmed human cadaver parts. During the study, participants’ nerve block skills will be measured with a standardized scoring system called the Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Global Rating Scale. Performance videos will be independently rated by blinded assessors. The study will also assess how well participants tolerate the iVR simulator by measuring cybersickness and cognitive load. The goal is to improve medical training methods to increase the use of this important nerve block for hip fracture patients.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Self-Guided Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Mannequin-based Simulators to Teach the Ultrasound-Guided Supra-Inguinal Fascia Iliaca Block
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Staff and trainees from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and orthopedic surgery
- Participants must be locally recruited within The Ottawa Hospital
You will not qualify if you...
- Having performed more than 5 ultrasound-guided supra-inguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) blocks per year
- Advanced regional anesthesia training received or ongoing
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for informed consent and baseline data collection
Duration - Single session
Participants receive standardized didactics and complete 60 minutes of self-directed practice using either the immersive virtual reality simulator or mannequin-based simulator to learn the ultrasound-guided supra-inguinal fascia iliaca block.
1 training session
Duration - 1 month
Participants are assessed on their block performance before training, immediately after training, and at a 1-month retention interval using a hybrid simulator with video recording for independent rating.
3 assessment visits (pre-training, post-training, 1-month follow-up)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8L6
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yuqi Gu, MD FRCPC
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here