How I Made the Case to Purchase UbiSim

Embarking on the journey to integrate UbiSim into our nursing education program was a process that required an understanding of both the benefits of the technology and the dynamics of the stakeholders at the table. 

In the ever-evolving field of nursing, staying at the forefront of educational technology is important. Our institution, committed to providing the best educational tools, recognized the potential of integrating virtual reality (VR) into our curriculum. My journey to advocate for the adoption of UbiSim, was both challenging and enlightening.

The following is a reflection on my personal experience in navigating these challenges and successfully securing buy-in for the purchase of UbiSim.

Research and Gathering Evidence

Once the decision had been made to explore XR as a learning modality for our learners, I started educating myself on the various available products. I attended simulation conferences where I engaged with a variety of AR/VR Vendors and trialed their products and created a pros and cons list of the various software solutions I encountered. 

This exploration led me to UbiSim, which caught my interest as a platform celebrated for its focus solely on nursing education through VR. UbiSim promised to enhance clinical outcomes and reinforce decision-making skills by providing a realistic and engaging learning environment. In comparing UbiSim to the other software that we were considering for our Undergraduate Nursing VR Program, UbiSim possessed all the key attributes that we were searching for in a VR solution.

UbiSim comes equipped with a library of evidence-based simulations right out of the box. This extensive collection allows us to immediately implement a range of scenarios that are grounded in real-world clinical evidence. 

Furthermore, UbiSim offers an editing tool that allows us to customize and create our own simulations. This flexibility is crucial for matching specific learning outcomes with our students' needs, allowing for tailored educational experiences that directly address the specific skills our students are expected to acquire in each course.

Additionally, the platform supports measurements and diagnostic results in metric units, which ensures that our students are learning with the measurements they will most likely encounter in professional practice.

UbiSim also provides a diverse range of patient environments and demographics, which is invaluable in preparing students for the real-world diversity they will face in their nursing careers. The platform’s ease of use is another significant benefit; it is designed to be user-friendly and not laborious to set up or run sessions, making it accessible for both educators and students.

The platform's features include teleporting capabilities and interactive avatars that engage with learners more dynamically than some other VR solutions. This interactivity enhances the learning experience by mimicking real-life interactions and decision-making processes.

Lastly, UbiSim's outstanding customer service ensures that any technical issues can be quickly resolved, and educators have the support they need to effectively implement and utilize the technology. 

Overall, UbiSim proved to be the best choice for our VR program due to its comprehensive and adaptable features, specifically designed to enhance nursing education. Its focus on evidence-based simulations, ease of use, interactivity, and exceptional support align perfectly with our needs.

I explored various resources, including case studies and webinars provided by UbiSim, which illustrated the platform’s effectiveness in other institutions. The resources provided by UbiSim were invaluable in this phase; they offered a deep dive into how VR could be integrated into nursing curriculums and the potential return on investment. This data formed the backbone of my proposal, showcasing how UbiSim could address specific educational gaps and improve learning outcomes.

I purchased a VR headset and got a trial version of UbiSim, where I used the software in various environments, different modes, including different numbers of users both in and out of the headset. It was important for me to intimately know the workings of the product to face any concerns stakeholders might have with tangible responses based in my personal experiences with the product. It also provided me the opportunity to consider solutions for these potential concerns.

Building the Case

Compiling the evidence, I focused on how UbiSim stands out due to its specialization in nursing. This was not just another educational tool; it was a transformative platform that could tailor immersive experiences to the specific needs of our nursing students. 

It was essential to articulate how integrating VR learning could resolve several challenges we encountered, such as the scarcity of clinical training spaces while simultaneously increasing enrollment. Additionally, it was also important to clarify the specific reasons for selecting UbiSim as our preferred VR learning platform. 

Engaging Stakeholders

I identified key stakeholders, including leadership, faculty members, and financial officers. Understanding their perspectives and potential reservations was key to success. I engaged them through individual discussions and group presentations, emphasizing the benefits of UbiSim not just from an educational standpoint but also considering financial and operational advantages. One thing that is particularly beneficial is putting stakeholders in the headset and letting them experience the feeling of being immediately placed in a patient care environment. 

To address the concerns of stakeholders, particularly regarding cost and implementation, I described the return on investment and the strategic value of UbiSim in maintaining our institution's standing as a leader in nursing education. The potential for saving costs while simultaneously improving educational outcomes was particularly persuasive. 

Lack of physical space is an ongoing issue in both healthcare and academia.  In my conversations I always highlighted the small physical footprint required as well as the flexibility in location. I was often heard saying “all you need is a headset and Wi-Fi”.

Additionally, I worked with our information technology (IT) department to address potential security concerns and logistical issues, ensuring that they felt informed and reassured about the adoption. I linked the University's IT department to the support team at UbiSim to answer any technical questions that I could not answer.

After getting buy-in from stakeholders, I drafted an issue sheet for Leadership highlighting how UbiSim could be integrated into our current curriculum and the long-term benefits it promised.

Implementation Strategy

Once approved, strategic planning for the implementation began. It involved setting up the necessary VR infrastructure, training faculty on how to use the technology, and integrating VR scenarios into our curriculum. We utilized the PEARLS debriefing framework to enhance learning outcomes and ensure reflective practice post-simulation. 

Reflecting on the Outcome

The decision to integrate UbiSim into our curriculum has proven to be beneficial. Feedback from both students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive, with noticeable improvements in student confidence. The process taught me the importance of thorough preparation, clear communication, and adaptive strategies in leading successful institutional change.

Reflection and Outcomes

Looking back, the integration of UbiSim into our curriculum has not only met but exceeded our expectations. Student feedback has been positive, noting particularly how VR simulations have helped them feel more prepared and confident. Faculty have observed improvements in decision-making and among students, affirming the value of our investment in UbiSim.

Conclusion

The journey to integrate UbiSim into our educational framework was a challenging yet rewarding one. The success of this initiative has also encouraged us to continue exploring other technological advancements that could further enhance our educational offerings and better prepare our students for the demanding healthcare environment.

In conclusion, the decision to adopt UbiSim was a critical step forward for our nursing program, driven by a clear need, thorough research, and strategic implementation. It has set a new standard in our educational practices, one that will influence our approaches for years to come.

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