HEALTHCARE SIMULATION WHITEPAPER

Download the Healthcare Simulation Whitepaper for Radiography, Radiation Safety, and Midwifery Training 

Access a summary of how simulation-based training supports radiography, radiation safety, and midwifery education, improving positioning accuracy, clinical decision-making, and learner confidence. 

Download the whitepaper to understand how simulation reduces training risk, enables repeated practice, and prepares students for clinical environments without patient exposure. 

Evidence Supporting Simulation-Based Healthcare Training

Peer-reviewed studies show that simulation-based training improves clinical performance, positioning accuracy, and learner confidence. It enables learners to develop practical skills and decision-making before working with real patients or using ionising radiation.

See the full research evidence here.

This whitepaper is based on the Virtual Medical Coaching simulation platform used in healthcare training programmes worldwide. 

The whitepaper includes examples from radiography simulation software (X-Ray Pro VR), radiation safety training (RadSafe VR),  and midwifery education (BirthWise VR). 
2025 whitepaper

Frequently Asked Questions

What is simulation-based healthcare training?

Simulation-based healthcare training allows students to practise clinical skills, decision-making, and technical procedures in a controlled environment without risk to patients. 

How is simulation used in radiography education?

Simulation allows learners to practise X-ray positioning, exposure selection, and image evaluation before working with real patients or ionising radiation. 

How is simulation used in radiation safety training?

Simulation allows learners to understand radiation exposure, shielding strategies, and safe working practices in realistic environments. Users can observe how changes in positioning, distance, and shielding affect dose, supporting safer behaviour in clinical settings. 

How is simulation used in midwifery education?

Simulation allows learners to practise clinical scenarios such as labour assessment, communication, and decision-making in a safe environment. Students can develop confidence in patient interaction, recognise complications, and refine clinical judgement before real-world practice. 

Can simulation replace clinical placement?

Simulation can replace a portion of clinical placement when implemented appropriately. Evidence from the NCSBN National Simulation Study and subsequent reviews shows that up to 50% of clinical hours can be replaced with high-quality simulation without negatively affecting clinical competency, knowledge, or readiness for practice. Simulation is a more concentrated learning environment, with some evidence supporting a 2:1 ratio where one hour of simulation can replace two hours of traditional clinical experience. It is most effective when used alongside clinical placement rather than as a complete replacement. 

Hayden, J. K., Smiley, R. A., Alexander, M., Kardong-Edgren, S., & Jeffries, P. R. (2014). The NCSBN National Simulation Study. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 5(2), S1–S64.

Roberts, E., Kaak, V., & Rolley, J. (2019). Simulation to replace clinical hours in nursing: A meta-narrative review. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 37, 5–13.

Sullivan, N., Swoboda, S. M., Breymier, T., et al. (2019). "Emerging Evidence Toward a 2:1 Clinical to Simulation Ratio: A Study Comparing the Traditional Clinical and Simulation Settings." Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 30, 34-41.

What disciplines are included in this whitepaper?

The whitepaper includes examples from radiography simulation, radiation safety training, and midwifery education. 

Does simulation improve clinical performance?

Peer-reviewed studies show that simulation-based training improves positioning accuracy, technical confidence, and clinical readiness.

Benefits of Immersive VR Training in Healthcare Education

Why Immersive VR Simulation Improves Healthcare Training

Used in Healthcare Training Programmes Worldwide

Immersive VR simulation is used by universities and healthcare training institutions to support radiography, radiation safety, and clinical skills education across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Realistic and Interactive Clinical Simulation

Users interact with virtual patients and imaging equipment in a fully simulated clinical environment, allowing them to practise positioning, technique, and workflow with immediate visual feedback.

Improves Clinical Performance and Decision-Making

Simulation-based training improves positioning accuracy, image evaluation, and clinical decision-making by enabling repeated practice and immediate feedback before real patient exposure.

Increases Student Engagement and Confidence

Immersive training environments increase learner engagement and confidence by allowing students to practise independently, make mistakes safely, and build competence before entering clinical settings.