Training the operating room staff in a virtual multiplayer and real-time environment to prevent adverse events: study of team situation awareness and decision making using the learning game 3D virtual operating room

Many studies show that communication defaults are the most current contributive factor of adverse events in the operating room. A successful surgery depends on how accurately a dynamically evolving situation can be assessed on the basis of the information exchanged. First, this paper describes the use of 3D Virtual Operating Room, an innovative virtual multiplayer and real time environment which features a communication system designed to be used in a training context. A voting system is available to debate and make decisions on predefined topics. An experiment took place with anesthetist-nurse students and their trainer in order to analyze their behavior when they have to manage a non-standardized but real-life situation. We study different variables to analyze how information flows between the members of a team, how they make decisions and how much they are aware of the situation when they make a decision.