DDS-MAP

Overview

The DDS-MAP project, part of the EU4Health program, integrates XR (Extended Reality) technologies to revolutionise healthcare training across Europe. Specifically, DDS-MAP focuses on delivering micro-credentialing training to medical and allied health professionals through immersive and dynamic digital platforms. XR technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, are employed to create realistic, interactive training environments where professionals can acquire and refine skills in a controlled, yet highly engaging setting.

This approach enhances the flexibility and accessibility of professional development, allowing healthcare workers to earn micro-credentials in various specialties through short, targeted learning modules. The use of XR facilitates practical, hands-on experiences that are crucial for mastering complex medical procedures and techniques, without the constraints of physical space or the need for expensive equipment. This not only improves the quality of training but also supports continuous professional development, ultimately leading to a more resilient and competent healthcare workforce across the EU

Implementation

The DDS-MAP project implementation enables a novel approach to healthcare training in virtual worlds by integrating XR (Extended Reality) technologies and digital education  tools to enhance the learning experience for medical professionals. Using ShapesXR, a collaborative XR design tool that captures the requirements and needs of various project partners and trial sites. ShapesXR allows stakeholders to visualise and iterate on the design of training environments rapidly, facilitating the co-creation of immersive learning scenarios that are aligned with the outlined requirements of the DDS-Map project.

The project employs rapid prototyping techniques to develop these XR-based environments, ensuring they meet the practical needs of the end-users. This prototyping is crucial for fine-tuning the immersive experiences that will be delivered through the training modules.

The integration of the Moodle e-learning environment into the VR platform is another significant milestone for DDS-MAP. Using Meta Quest 3 headsets and Apple iPads, the project team has created an interactive digital twin of a partner hospital and VR scenario training. This setup allows healthcare professionals to engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world medical environments, thereby enhancing the retention and application of new skills.

As part of the implementation strategy, the project will commence pilot testing in Q4 of 2024. These pilots will be conducted across multiple sites, allowing for the evaluation and refinement of the training modules in diverse healthcare settings.

The pilots will assess the effectiveness of the XR environments in delivering micro-credentialing training, with a particular focus on how well the technology supports the continuous professional development of healthcare workers. By combining advanced digital tools with practical training needs, DDS-MAP aims to set a new standard for medical education in the EU, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and resilient healthcare workforce.

Key Objectives

• Integration of XR technologies to create immersive healthcare training virtual worlds for micro-credentialling.
• Use ShapesXR for collaborative design and rapid prototyping of training modules.
• Integrate Moodle with VR using Meta Quest 3 and Apple iPads for interactive learning in AR.
• Develop digital visualisation twin of Mutualia hospital environment.
• Pilot the training environments in Q4 2024 to assess their effectiveness in XR education.
• Enhance the resilience and skills of the EU healthcare workforce through innovative micro-credentialing