Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

Evaluating a virtual reality platform for bariatric care education: Enhancing clinical decision-making and safe care practices  (129141)

Caz Hales 1 , Emma Ward 1 , Ryan Skelton 1 , Brian Robinson 1 , Rosetta Iupeli 2 , Dennis Te Moana (Te Whanau A Apanui; Te Aupouri) 2 , Eleanor Barrett 3 , Dale Luke (Ngati Ruanui) 3 , Taulapapa Loma-Linda Tasi 4 , Yvonne Gemmell (Ngāi Tūhoe) 5 , Brendan Harris 6 , Mel Whitaker-Atkins 5 , Tracey Carr 7 , Todd Bishop 8 , Ezra Bishop 8 , Nadia Pantidi 1
  1. Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
  2. Consumer Advisory Group, Health New Zealand -Capital Coast Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
  3. Health New Zealand -Capital Coast Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
  4. Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
  5. Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington, New Zealand
  6. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Wellington, New Zealand
  7. Fatlotsheknows, Manchester, UK
  8. Essential HelpCare, Dunedin, New Zealand

Caring for individuals of larger body size presents multifaceted challenges across healthcare settings. These extend beyond physical demands to include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to specific equipment, inconsistent training, and staff anxiety (1-2). Weight bias further compromises the safety, dignity, and equity of care delivery (3). 

Traditional bariatric moving and handling education often focuses on physical techniques and equipment use, overlooking critical aspects such as clinical decision-making, communication, cultural safety, and workplace attitudes. Training environments may lack realism, with limited access to bariatric mannequins and sensitivity concerns when using colleagues as practice subjects. 

 

Aim: 
This study aimed to address these gaps by developing a virtual reality (VR) platform to support bariatric care education. The platform was co-designed over 12 months with input from nurses, educators, clinicians, paramedics, patient representatives, equipment manufacturers, and community advocates. It was designed to enhance clinical decision-making and promote safe, respectful care practices for people of larger size. 

 

Methodology: 
Using a user-centred, iterative approach, the VR platform was developed with immersive scenarios that integrate clinical reasoning, safety culture, and patient interaction. It enables repeated, risk-free practice and consistent exposure to bariatric care principles. The prototype was evaluated with three end-user groups: nursing students, paramedic and hospital staff, and bariatric equipment providers. Participants experienced the VR educational scenarios and feedback was collected through structured interviews and standardised questionnaires. 

 

Results: 

Preliminary findings indicate the platform was engaging and realistic. Participants reported increased confidence and improved understanding of the complexities of bariatric care. The VR experience was valued for addressing both technical and interpersonal aspects of care. 

 

Conclusion: 
This VR platform represents a significant advancement in bariatric education, supporting a more equitable, culturally safe healthcare environment for patients of larger size and the professionals who care for them. 

  1. 1. Yee, B., Barrett, E., Jeffreys, M., Haase, A. & Hales, C. (2022). Improving health services for patients with extreme obesity requiring bariatric level care at Wellington Regional Hospital: A clinical audit. N. Z. Med. J. Online 135, 10–24.
  2. 2. Hales, C., Curran N, deVries K. (2018). Morbidly obese patients’ experiences of mobility during hospitalisation and rehabilitation: A qualitative descriptive study. Nursing Praxis New Zealand, 3, 20–31.
  3. 3. Alberga, A.S., Edache, I.Y., Forhan, M., et al. (2019). Weight bias and health care utilization: a scoping review. Prim Health Care Research Development, 20: e116.