Dubai's MoHAP launch VR program to recruit nurses

Dubai's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) have unveiled a new simulation offering to entice more people into nursing.

The project, which is part of the initiative “Enhancing Attractiveness of Nursing Profession”, is targeting secondary school graduates. Its aim is to further highlight the importance of the nursing profession and motivate people to study nursing.

Showcased at GITEX Technology Week 2019 in Dubai this week, the 3D, VR training is tailored to make the learning experience more attractive and interactive.

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry’s Hospitals Sector, stressed the importance of exploiting simulation technologies in previewing the hospital environment that nurses will experience.

"Those interactions are one of the project advantages," he said. "They are considered the most successful educational and promotional ways to raise the community awareness about the importance of the nursing profession and to foster the positive image of nursing."

He expected the project would help encourage youth citizens to study nursing. Dubai have pledged to recruit more nurses as part of its National Agenda 2021.

Dubai MoHAP

“Visitors will enjoy an outstanding experience of the virtual sensory interaction with patients through VR technology," said Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi, Director of Nursing Department, MoHAP.

"The project provides a journey into the nursing world which includes virtual places such as emergency rooms, pediatric intensive care, outpatient clinics and pulmonary resuscitation department. The trainee will prepare electric shock devices for cardiac arrest following road accidents, in addition to installing and preparing blood pressure measuring devices and giving medications."

Al Balushi added trainees can provide virtual care for newborns in a visit to the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). They can also perform jaundice treatments and learn how to deal with this disease.

Upon completion of the tasks, a thank you message appears with a request to give the baby milk.

Upon visiting outpatient clinics, the trainee will check for vital signs and provide a report on the case. There is also a task educating patients on the ways of self-injecting, checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

At the pulmonary resuscitation department, the trainee will learn some indicators to help perform this process.

After every successful task, the patient will send a written and voice message to the trainee saying: "Thank you …. You saved my life".