MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Name: Using Virtual Reality to Prepare Students for Difficult Conversations in Healthcare
Start: 2026-10-02T09:45:00-0500
End: 2026-10-02T10:45:00-0500

Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!

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Using Virtual Reality to Prepare Students for Difficult Conversations in Healthcare

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Rhine (50) POSTERS

The poster will display the results from a pilot study completed with occupational therapy and social work students using virtual simulation to practice assessing a veteran client for suicidal ideation and intent. The aim of the study was to assess if students would report increased confidence and perceived competence as a result of the training, and to compare the experience using immersive (headset) versus non-immersive (PC or mobile device). Additionally, the researchers completed a qualitative analysis of an interdisciplinary discussion board completed by participants post-simulation. The Surgeon General’s 2022 report Addressing Health Worker Burnout called on academic institutions to “...better prepare students and trainees for coping with morally and psychologically distressing situations…” (p. 46).Kirby et al. (2020) surveyed 134 pediatric occupational therapists about their experiences with suicide in practice, and 95% reported they may interact with suicidal youth, but only 21% felt confident they could recognize the signs of suicidal ideation. This research is innovative in its integration of virtual reality with voice recognition and asynchronous discussion to create a unique educational experience. While simulation-based learning is not new, the use of virtual avatars that can express emotions and respond to voice commands is not well-established in the literature. Immersive virtual reality has become a more common instructional tool for skill-based physician and nursing education but is only emerging as an educational tool for soft skill development in allied occupational therapy education.

References:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2022). Addressing health worker burnout: The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on building a thriving health workforce [PDF]. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdf
Kirby, A.V., Terrill, A.L., Schwartz, A., Henderson, J., Whitaker, B.N., & Kramer, J. (2020). Occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge, comfort, and competence regarding youth suicide. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research: Occupation, Participation and Health, 40(4), 270-276. DOI" 10.1177/1539449220908577

Speakers

Angie Smith

Clinical Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, University of Michigan-Flint

Angela Smith is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at the University of Michigan-Flint. Her work focuses on innovative approaches to preparing students for clinical practice, including virtual reality training... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Rhine (50) POSTERS

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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Angie Smith

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MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Angie Smith

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