Research
I have research interest and experience in many aspects of radiotherapy education ranging from the technological (for example virtual reality clinical
skills simulation) to the human (such as use of patients for student feedback). The use of Virtual Reality for education and clinical applications is my main interest but I am
also heavily involved a wider range of pedagogic and clinical projects.
My most recent project investigated the use of VR for Student Mental Wellbeing while on clinical placement; this funded
project aimed to improve the student experience for learners attending remote placement and showed that students improved their mindfulness and enjoyed the ability to escape.
I am currently working on clinical research following my PhD relating to use of 3D virtual reality in radiotherapy which aims to improve the radiotherapy experience for head and neck cancer patients. This exciting project aims to use a VR delivery system as an immobilisation device, meaning that patients can experience an alternative reality during
claustrophobic MR-based treatments.
In terms of expertise I have a wide range of research skills encompassing qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. I enjoy leading and working within research teams and have a passion for inspiring engagement with research especially with novice researchers. My main area of pedagogical research expertise is the development and evaluation of educational 3D VR and simulation resources. I believe that VR and simulation both have plenty of potential for enriching the learning experience and improving understanding of clinical processes and techniques. The key priority in regard to this is establishing and measuring the educational gain as opposed to the user satisfaction feedback measures that are commonly used. This is quite a challenge!
3D Immersive Visualisation
The increasing sophistication of 3D visualisation technology is bringing enhanced 3D experiences into our lives in the form of mass entertainment, commercial training and gaming applications. I have a passion for research in the use of this technology for 3 main purposes:
Firstly; to enhance simulation-based education for student health professionals. The increasing use of VERT within radiotherapy training brings great potential for students to experience 3D anatomy, technique understanding and clinical skills development. See my papers on the development of a virtual radiotherapy treatment machine and a medical imaging simulation environment for more details of this. My research interests are focused on making the optimal use of the technology in an academic environment.
Secondly; I am interested in using VR to provide mental wellbeing support for students while on clinical placement. Our students are often remote to the campus and can be isolated with support mechanisms currently relying on phone or laptop communication. I am currently evaluating the use of a bespoke 3D VR tropical island for provision of support resources. Watch this space...
Finally; to develop applications of VR for patient-benefit. This builds on my PhD and subsequent supervision of a Fulbright Scholar to develop tools for clinical practice that make use of 3D VR. I am currently involved in a project to use VR during treatment to enhance patient wellbeing. Watch out for imminent publications in this area...
Simulated Placements
I have been a devotee of simulation-based education since 2008 and have been instrumental in the development of some key resources for these as outcomes from some funded research projects. My recent research interest is based on utilising a range of simulation resources to provide an extended simulated placement. Funded projects into this have led to findings that show how clinical skills can be gained by students undertaking these placements and this has led to a reduction in clinical training weeks. My current areas of research relate to how to embed interprofessional learning into simulated placements to further enhance the realism of these experiences for students.
Research grants
Collaborative immersive remote clinical undergraduate support
OFFICE FOR STUDENTS - OFS (UK)
July 2021 - June 2023
Research collaborations
Australian Universities Radiation Therapy Program Coordinators Group
Curriculum and Resource Development
I am working with program coordinators and radiotherapy academics from Australia on a range of research projects helping to maintain currency of curricula and develop collaborative resources.
End to End Visuals
3D Radiotherapy Immersive Outlining Tool
I am collaborating with an Australian software design company to develop and evaluate an innovative 3-dimensional immersive radiotherapy outlining tool.