VR Training Program Targets Safer Emergency Care

Chulalongkorn University, through its Design for Society Center (CUD4S) and Faculty of Medicine, launched the "ER-VIPE" (Emergency Room – Virtual Interprofessional Education) program to strengthen emergency team training and patient safety. Developed with King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, ER-VIPE uses virtual simulation to prepare doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologic technologists, and others for handling critical cases.

The program was introduced at an academic forum, and combines film content, online courses, and interactive simulations to build non-technical skills using the TeamSTEPPS framework. 

“Patient care doesn't depend on who is the most skilled—it depends on how well the team works together,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Khuansiri Narajeenron, project leader.

Thailand faces over 400,000 cases of unsafe medical care annually, with an estimated loss of 9.6 billion baht. Early results from ER-VIPE showed reductions in medical errors, patient deaths, and staff burnout, along with measurable improvements in communication and patient satisfaction.

The initiative has been piloted in five hospitals and is now being considered for national expansion under the “Zero Harm 2030” initiative. Leaders from nine professional health organizations attended the forum, agreeing on the need for interprofessional collaboration, integration into health service plans, accreditation standards, and higher education curricula.

The project’s next phase aims to expand training across healthcare institutions in Thailand, supported by policy discussions and partnerships with professional councils.