Virtual Reality Simulation for Health Care Leaders of the Future, Utilizing Leadership Rounds in the Hospital System, An Online Educational Activity

Abstract

Focus Statement The purpose of this study is to bring forth educational activities that prepare leaders in the healthcare system which positively impacts the health system to include quality, cost, and access. The nascent formulation of this project is to develop and study a pilot-education deliverable using virtual simulation leadership rounds in an MHA graduate program. Context The course, The Health Service System MHA 621 The active design and delivery of the educational strategy encompass three areas of which includes; target leadership gaps such as critical thinking, presentation, and communication skills. The second focus area covers the macro and micro healthcare related topics of the course, and third to assist in aligning course content with the mission and vision of the health administration graduate program. The University of Southern Indiana Hospital has been created and acts as a fictitious teaching hospital in the city of Blackboard located in Indiana. The hospital is now led by new chief executive officers that have implemented new strategies that align with their mission and vision, and a new emphasis is placed on quality and education. Graduate students will progress through a series of healthcare virtual scenarios, during healthcare executive rounds. These scenarios will introduce the graduate students to the unique hospital units, customer satisfaction surveys, quality performance measures, quality scorecards, financials while solving actual issues faced today in healthcare. The use of virtual hospital rounds will be used, and the student will (1) solve a set of financial equations (an economic model), (2) participate in a scaled model, (3) practice or rehears factual scenarios, (4) demonstrate competency through playing games (asteroid game), listening to interviews, and being introduced to an animated flowchart. Approach A pilot-education survey (satisfaction instrument) will analyze quality measures of satisfaction and individual perceptions of the virtual simulation. A Likert scale survey and open-ended questions will determine the satisfaction themes. The results of the survey will be analyzed using triangulation to determine common themes for the sample population. A study published in 2011, by the Centers for Creative Leadership (CCL) describes changes related to effective leadership. The findings and recommendations from the study indicate that the need for broad cross-functional learning opportunities for healthcare leaders. These changes are imperative for healthcare organizations and future leaders entering the industry. The university must recognize these changes and adapt the delivery of pedagogy activities that assist in the development of the next healthcare leader. Conclusions Graduate students will build upon basic knowledge and theories, as it relates to leadership. Virtual simulation is a useful tool that allow experimentation without exposure to risk, as many nursing and medical students benefit from this tool today. A similar concept may help improve the skills of the future healthcare leader. The leadership simulation will build upon competencies for the future healthcare leader and may be utilized in future MHA graduate classes.