Virtual Reality Training for Central Venous Catheter Placement: An Interventional Feasibility Study Incorporating Virtual Reality Into a Standard Training Curriculum of Novice Trainees

Objectives: This study assess the feasibility of integrating virtual reality (VR) simulation into the central venous catheter (CVC) placement training curriculum. Design: The study consists of 3 parts: (1) Evaluating current manikin-based training for CVC placement through surveys for senior first-year anesthesia residents and cardiac anesthesia faculty who supervise resident performing the procedure; (2) Interventional study training novice trainees with VR simulator and assessing their reaction satisfaction; and (3) pilot study integrating VR training sessions into CVC training curriculum for first-year anesthesia residents. Setting: Conducted at a single academic-affiliated medical center from December 2022 to August 2023. Participants: Junior first-year anesthesia residents. Interventions: VR training sessions for CVC placements using the Vantari VR system. Measurements and Main Results: Primary outcome: novice trainees’ satisfaction with VR training for CVC procedure. Satisfaction of resident and faculty with standard manikin-based training was also collected. Faculty expressed concerns about residents' confidence and perceived knowledge in performing CVC placement independently. Novice trainees showed high satisfaction and perceived usefulness with VR training, particularly in understanding procedural steps and developing spatial awareness. Pilot integration of VR training into the curriculum demonstrated comparable training times and emphasized structured stepwise training modules to ensure completion of vital procedural steps. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of VR simulation as a complementary training tool for CVC placement rather than a substitution of standard manikin training. VR is offering immersive experiences and addressing limitations of traditional manikin-based training methods. The integration of VR into training curricula warrants further exploration to optimize procedural proficiency and patient safety in clinical practice.