title: The development and evaluation of a medical imaging training immersive environment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A novel realistic 3D virtual reality (VR) application has been developed to allow medical imaging students at Queensland University of Technology to practice radiographic techniques independently outside the usual radiography laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  A flexible agile development methodology was used to create the software rapidly and effectively. A 3D gaming environment and realistic models were used to engender presence in the software while tutor-determined gold standards enabled students to compare their performance and learn in a problem-based learning pedagogy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived value and the software enabled up to 40 concurrent users to prepare for clinical practice. Student feedback also indicated that they found 3D to be of limited value in the desktop version compared to the usual 2D approach. A randomised comparison between groups receiving software-based and traditional practice measured performance in a formative role play with real equipment. The results of this work indicated superior performance with the equipment for the VR trained students (P = 0.0366) and confirmed the value of VR for enhancing 3D equipment-based problem-solving skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students practising projection techniques virtually performed better at role play assessments than students practising in a traditional radiography laboratory only. The application particularly helped with 3D equipment configuration, suggesting that teaching 3D problem solving is an ideal use of such medical equipment simulators. Ongoing development work aims to establish the role of VR software in preparing students for clinical practice with a range of medical imaging equipment.
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Pete
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bridge
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gunn
authors.affiliation: End-to-End Visuals Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Lazaros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kastanis
authors.affiliation: End-to-End Visuals Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pack
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rowntree
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Starkey
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Gaynor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mahoney
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Braithwaite
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilson-Stewart
keywords: Evaluation; medical imaging; simulation; virtual reality