The design, delivery and evaluation of ‘Human Perspectives VR’: An immersive educational programme designed to raise awareness of contributory factors for a traumatic childbirth experience and PTSD

Abstract

Background A traumatic childbirth experience affects ~30% of women each year, with negative impacts on maternal, infant, and family wellbeing. Women classified as vulnerable or marginalised are those more likely to experience a psychologically traumatising birth. A key contributory factor for a traumatic childbirth experience is women’s relationships with maternity care providers. Aims To develop, design and evaluate an immersive educational programme for maternity care providers to raise awareness of traumatic childbirth experiences amongst vulnerable groups, and ultimately to improve women’s experiences of childbirth. Methods A critical pedagogical approach that utilised virtual reality (VR) underpinned the design and development of the educational programme. This involved: a) collecting vulnerable/disadvantaged women’s experiences of birth via interviews; b) analysing data collected to identify key hotspots for traumatic experiences within interpersonal patient – provider relationships to develop a script; c) filming the script with professional actors creating a first person perspective via VR technology; d) using existing literature to inform the theoretical and reflective aspects of the programme; e) conducting an evaluation of the education programme using pre-and post-evaluation questionnaires and a follow-up focus group. Findings Human Perspective VR was very well received. Participants considered the content to have enhanced their reflective practice and increased their knowledge base regarding contributory factors associated with a traumatic childbirth experience. A need for further work to implement learning into practice was highlighted. Conclusion While further research is needed to evaluate the impact of the programme, Human Perspective VR programme offers an innovative approach to reflective education and to enhance participants’ care practices.