Applied Research Projects in Health & Health Technology advance healthcare through new instructional prototypes, innovative medical tools, and improved patient outcomes.
We work with partners in postsecondary institutions, healthcare, and industry to help improve quality of life for patients. Our research in education and training aims to strengthen healthcare system capacity and outcomes by applying emerging technologies and advancing preventative care.
Join us on a journey of innovation and exploration—working together to shape the future of healthcare.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Timeframe:
to
Nursing programs often face challenges with skills testing in labs where students usually have to practise assessments on healthy classmates, limiting experience with real symptoms. This can hamper graduates’ confidence and competency with real patients until they gain significant clinical experience.
This problem inspired the development of a Virtual Reality Focused Assessment (VRFA) tool.
Bow Valley College developed VR health assessment simulations focusing on cardiovascular, along with ear, nose, and throat systems. These simulations immerse nursing students in interactive 3D environments that replicate hospital wards, operating rooms, and other health care settings, allowing them to practice and refine their skills safely.
Bow Valley College and ICOM Productions co-developed three new VR health assessment scenarios: one for the cardiovascular system, one for the eyes, and one for the ears, nose, and throat. This work supports Bow Valley College’s vision to shape the future of education.
Student outcome: The integration of these VR scenarios into the Practical Nurse curriculum has led to a significant increase in students' self-perceived confidence levels. Approximately 750 nursing students now utilize the VR tools annually.
Partner outcome: This project helped our industry partner, ICOM, strengthen its business processes and gain valuable experience collaborating with a post-secondary institution.
Product commercialization: The project team used Bow Valley College’s strong connections to open conversations with other post-secondary institutions. Interest in the product has been strong, and ICOM continues with marketing efforts.
Timeframe:
Jan 2023
to
June 2024
Health Care Aides (HCAs) are instrumental in delivering up to 80% of the direct care to older Canadian adults in long-term care or at home. They are the primary profession providing frontline care to our aging populations.
During the final clinical placement, students in the College’s HCA Certification program step into the role of an HCA under the guidance of an industry HCA (buddy). BVC instructors observed that there are variations in guidance that students received across facilities. This is specifically influenced by the culture of the placement organizations, staffing burdens, and individual attitudes. This variability, coupled with the absence of standardized training for industry HCAs, is recognized as a hindrance to achieving optimal learning outcomes.
The research project is now complete, and the results presented to CLPNA, the project funder. Recommendations are to develop a standardized training/education for equipping HCAs with the skills needed for guiding students during clinical placement. HCAs come from extraordinarily diverse experience and educational background and the program should fit the needs.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)
