Published work
CETSOL virtual reality research
Peer-reviewed research demonstrating measurable improvements in practical student positioning and simulated clinical communication, supported by performance assessment and learner feedback.
Explore the findings and the tasks behind them. Performance results and student perceptions are identified separately; the publications evaluate earlier CETSOL training studies, not clinical validation of the current RT Simulator.
2022 · Peer-reviewed publicationImmersive virtual reality simulated learning environment versus role-play for empathic clinical communication training
Sapkaroski, D., Mundy, M., & Dimmock, M. R. (2022). Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 69(1), 56–65.
5% higher empathic response scoresVR-trained students selected more appropriate empathic responses than the role-play group (P < .05).
Trainees in the VR group also reported an 11% increase in confidence after training. The study included 70 trainees and nine qualified practitioners; communication was assessed in a simulated encounter.
2020 · Peer-reviewed publicationVirtual reality versus conventional clinical role-play for radiographic positioning training: A students’ perception study
Sapkaroski, D., Mundy, M., & Dimmock, M. R. (2020). Radiography, 26(1), 57–62.
Practice, repeat and learn at your own paceStudents valued self-directed rehearsal and the ability to learn from mistakes in VR.
Among 66 questionnaire respondents, perceived effectiveness was comparable between VR and conventional role-play, with no statistically significant difference (P = .394). This paper reports students’ perceptions, rather than a performance gain.
2019 · Peer-reviewed publicationQuantification of Student Radiographic Patient Positioning Using an Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation
Sapkaroski, D., Baird, M., Mundy, M., & Dimmock, M. R. (2019). Simulation in Healthcare, 14(4), 258–263.
36% better finger separationVR-trained students also achieved 11% better palm flatness and 23% better central-ray positioning than the conventional training group.
In this randomised study of 76 first-year radiography students, practical hand positioning was assessed on a real patient model three weeks after training. The 36% result concerns finger separation specifically, not overall clinical performance.
2018 · Peer-reviewed publicationThe implementation of a haptic feedback virtual reality simulation clinic with dynamic patient interaction and communication for medical imaging students
Sapkaroski, D., Baird, M., McInerney, J., & Dimmock, M. R. (2018). Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 65(3), 218–225.
Stronger perceived preparation for practiceStudents rated immersive CETSOL VR more highly than a non-immersive simulator for developing clinical skills (P < .001).
The study involved 92 medical imaging students and introduced patient interaction, communication and haptic feedback. These findings describe students’ perceptions of the learning experience, not measured clinical outcomes.