For best practice it's critical to consider the following:
1. Comfortable & safe space
Before starting the simulation session, please make sure that you have sufficient space to allow movements in a safe and comfortable way for you and the other participants. As a reminder, you can access the health and safety warnings here: https://www.oculus.com/legal/health-and-safety-warnings/
Some students can experience cybersickness (nausea) or fall during a virtual reality simulation experience. Alert the facilitator immediately if you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous during the simulation experience and you will be able to pause or end the scenario without penalty.
The minimum recommended space is 7 feet by 7 feet (3.5 meters by 3.5 meters).
2. Set up of the VR headset is key
Once you have made sure of your safety and clicked on the start button of a scenario, a message will tell you to place the VR headset on your head. Take a moment to verify no obstacles are around you and place the headset on your head. Don't rush this part as it can ruin the experience: take the time to adjust it correctly, until it feels comfortable and the image inside is sharp and clear. Watch the following video to learn to adjust your headset.
Each VR headset should be stored with its respective controllers as these are paired during the setup of the equipment.
Put on your headset and make sure it fits comfortably.
a. Adjust the velcro top strap until the Rift S sits comfortably on your head.
b. Rotate the fit wheel to adjust the tightness of the halo band.
c. If you’re wearing glasses, put the headset on from the front first.
d. Press the depth adjustment button on the bottom of the headset to adjust the lenses in or out for more clarity and a comfortable fit over glasses.
3. VR is a safe space for learning and making mistakes
The assumption in the UbiSim simulation scenarios is that you are an intelligent nursing student or a nurse who will do your best to provide quality client care and want to improve your nursing skills. UbiSim is a safe space for learning, which means that it is OK to make mistakes and take risks. UbiSim is not intended to be a competitive learning activity. You are not expected to perform perfectly. Making mistakes in UbiSim is a good thing as you will be less likely to make the same mistakes in real clinical settings. We are here to learn and have fun!
4. Suspension of disbelief
We all understand that UbiSim virtual reality simulation scenarios have certain limitations, but once the virtual reality simulation begins, we all agree to act as if the scenario is real. During the simulated clinical experience, faculty, staff will take their roles very seriously and we ask that you do as well.
Suspend judgment of realism for any given simulation in exchange for the promise of learning new knowledge and skills.
Act as if you are in a real clinical situation even when the suspension of disbelief becomes difficult.
Treat the virtual patient, family member, or other active learners with the same care and respect as a real client, family member, or healthcare team member.
5. Fun together
Ask your peer to assist you when equipping yourself with the headset and controllers. We have designed the peer collaboration mode so that you can take pleasure in learning together.