



A Virtual Reality Solution Transforms Critical Neonatal Training

The Challenge

A university in Australia recognized the importance of addressing the 15 percent of births in Australia and New Zealand that require some form of resuscitation, not including premature babies.

Developing an effective, skilled workforce requires time and resources. To teach complex areas of study the university sought a way to provide a clear, working depiction of the subject matter right before the eyes of its students.

Our Approach

The collaboration between Cognizant and the university resulted in an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) teaching program. Using Samsung Gear VR, the HTC Vive virtual reality (VR) system and HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headsets, university students are able to experience vital and advanced neonatal resuscitation skills in a simulated environment. Run via an app developed for PC, iOS and Android devices, the technology maximizes students’ learning experience because they are able to train outside the classroom at their own pace.

Simulating a real-world delivery room provides midwifery students with a virtual emergency neonatal resuscitation scene. Using Cognizant’s VR solution students undertake a series of steps to pass this time-critical scenario, either with a virtual ‘helper’ in a practice mode or individually in a formal test. AR also assists with education in anatomy and physiology, so students can experience in-depth details of the human body, its makeup and functions.

Clinical Training Benefits From AI Advancements

Given the staffing and time required to train students, the use of simulated neonatal experiences makes learning faster, easily accessible and portable. Students can study anywhere, at any time using the educational technology.

VR and AR advancements have enormous implications for student training specifically and for healthcare generally. The successful implementation of these technologies in critical medical scenarios suggests that AI will have a widespread impact across the globe.

Offset 15% neonatal risk

enables students to master resuscitation

Faster training time

transitions students to a real-world emergency

Increased detail for greater accuracy

moves beyond textbook pictures to specific details and complexity