ViRST - Virtual Reality for Speech Therapy Training

We're developing the project ViRST, a Virtual Reality-based technological soltution to respond to the need in the field of speech and language therapy to develop simulation-based learning and training scenarios. 

A series of learning scenarios have been carefully identified by experts in the field. The numerous approaches used to develop the project, such as the design-based research approach, instructional design, user experience (UX) design, aim to promote the development of students' practical skills by ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.

As a healthcare discipline, speech and language therapy demands competent professionals who are grounded both in theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Although the academic curriculum for speech and language therapists includes a certain number of hours of compulsory practical training, this does not ensure that students acquire practical skills in a uniform manner, as these depend on the patient that the trainee is treating. Furthermore, before students are permitted to treat a patient, their internship supervisor must deem them capable of doing so. This can create a stressful environment for students, pose a risk to patients, and may reduce the effectiveness of the learning experience.

Simulation-based learning offers a safer, scalable way for students to gain theoretical and practical skills through diverse, repeated scenarios. It reduces ethical concerns and stress. Since 2013, the WHO has recommended integrating such technologies into healthcare education, and organizations like ASHA (USA) and SPA (Australia) alredy support the integration of simulation modules to keep curricula up to date.

• Identify topics that are not yet adequately covered in the speech therapy curriculum, and define the corresponding learning objectives in order to design specific training scenarios.
• Develop a VR training application aimed at improving students’ practical skills by covering different topics through ad hoc scenarios.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the VR application and develop a new academic curriculum for speech therapists that integrates simulation-based training systems.