POBL Group
Improving Medication Accuracy with VR Training
Pobl, a Welsh not for profit providing housing, care, and support services, is committed to high-quality care and saw an opportunity to further improve medication accuracy among staff. Despite meeting and often exceeding industry standards, Pobl recognised that the repetitive nature of medication distribution could lead to desensitisation, causing staff to overlook crucial details. Existing training materials, while thorough, were less effective at breaking established routines or strengthening focus under real-world pressures.
To address this, Pobl explored the potential of a virtual reality (VR) simulation to enhance their training, intending to improve focus, accuracy, and resilience to distractions during medication distribution.
What Did We Do?
In partnership with CEMET, Pobl set out to create a VR training environment that replicates the medication distribution process and introduces real-world challenges. This prototype VR application provides a safe space for care staff to practice medication handling under simulated conditions that mimic the typical distractions and pressures they face daily. The VR simulation was designed to test staff accuracy by gradually increasing environmental distractions, helping staff improve their focus on the task and reducing the risk of errors.
The prototype application has been rigorously tested with Pobl’s care staff, who have responded positively to its realistic scenarios and engaging format.
How Did We Do It?
CEMET worked closely with Pobl to understand the specific challenges care staff face during medication distribution. Through regular feedback sessions, the team identified key factors contributing to errors, including environmental distractions and routine fatigue. Leveraging this insight, CEMET designed a VR training module that simulates these scenarios in a controlled, immersive environment.
The VR application was programmed to replicate common sources of distraction and progressively intensify them, encouraging staff to focus despite potential interruptions. CEMET’s development team incorporated feedback from Pobl’s care staff throughout each sprint, ensuring the application was not only realistic but also effective in enhancing staff concentration and decision-making.
The collaboration between Pobl and CEMET demonstrates the transformative potential of VR in the healthcare sector, providing an innovative approach to reducing medication errors and reinforcing safe practices.
CEMET is proud to continue to support POBL through the development of this new service. To find out more about their latest work visit their website or follow them via Instagram or Facebook.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Swansea City Council.
