dataset
16
, and relate this to surface anatomy and beam portals is useful. But
Effective
Recruitment
it should be remembered that CT data is not itself 3-dimensional. In theory, Centres appear to be making use of VERT to enhance recruitment. VERT
therefore, stereoscopic visualisation is only useful when this data is related to
management
demonstrations and interactive sessions are being integrated into prospective
other 3D projected information (although it is acknowledged that the large screen, student visits, interview days, recruitment fairs and events.
high resolution projection of a CT slice may be more easily interpreted).
of VERT at a Development of other staff groups such as return to
A more valuable use of the technology lies in its potential for enhancing students’
local level is
practice staff and dosimetrists
understanding of spatial anatomical relationships. Future software developments Although the VERT initiative is directed at pre-registration therapeutic radiography
such as that described by Appleyard
13
may be of significant value although a more
vital
students, and first year students in particular, many centres are starting to realise
immediate solution is possible whereby anatomical structures on large CT datasets the potential of the technology for postgraduate students, those re-entering the
are carefully and systematically contoured in a treatment planning system. They profession and other staff groups. Indeed, in some radiotherapy departments
are then imported into VERT where 3D visualisation and graphical manipulation early reports indicate that VERT is being used more for staff development than for
enhances spatial cognition of the anatomy. One university has begun to contour student education and training. In one centre, dosimetrists have recognised the
large series of anatomical structures in this way. Some issues do arise with this value of using VERT to augment plan evaluation and are making substantial use of
approach, not least in accessing suitable datasets and the time consuming nature the Seminar VERT facility for this purpose.
of contouring the structures. The visible human dataset packaged with the VERT
software may be used although it is of poor quality and not representative of Discussion
anatomy in a normal living subject. Additionally, an imposed resolution limit in The VERT technology has been implemented rapidly into radiotherapy curricula
the VERT software means that contoured structures under a threshold size are not despite limited evidence addressing the practicalities of its use or educational
rendered but this is a surmountable problem. worth. The VERT initiative therefore includes a comprehensive evaluation strategy
linked to the desired project outcomes (see figure 1). This aims to build a rigorous
evidence base surrounding the use of the technology and establish how it might
be used optimally. The evaluation strategy will assess the impact of VERT on:
recruitment and retention,
the student learning experience,
the development of skills and confidence,
students’ understanding of concepts, and, ultimately,
radiotherapy curricula.
It will also begin to explore how students learn in virtual environments and what
impact particular characteristics, such as students’ spatial ability or learning group
size, have on students’ learning. A detailed overview of the national investigations
being undertaken along with their methodologies is beyond the scope of this
paper and will be presented elsewhere. What will be considered here are the early
experiences of users reported to date.
Adverse effects of virtual environments
A particular concern relating to the use of virtual environments is side effects such
as vection induced simulator sickness, visual disturbances and headaches. The
prevalence and severity of these symptoms can be affected by a number of factors
including the degree of immersion (or presence), susceptibility to travel sickness,
Figure 4: Using VERT image flicker, misaligned projected images and concomitant illness
17
. Recent
to practice complex
research undertaken in two universities
18
based on 75 (predominantly first time)
techniques
2009
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