UK’s NHS using VR blood transfusion training technology

UK's NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has unveiled its pioneering virtual reality (VR) training application named "NHSBT Blood Identification." The app offers a detailed simulation of the blood testing process essential for conducting life-saving blood transfusions, thereby expanding the accessibility of training for individuals interested in pursuing careers in biomedical or transfusion sciences.

How does it work?

Rajpal Singh, a thalassemia patient from St George's in Bristol who requires regular blood transfusions, had the opportunity to experience this innovative training at the NHSBT Filton site in Bristol. Singh participated in a hands-on training session within the practice lab, utilizing the VR app alongside actual laboratory equipment to learn the intricacies of matching blood types for transfusion purposes.

This cutting-edge VR training program, now available on the Meta Quest App Lab store, immerses users in a virtual environment where they engage with a patient and conduct tests in a simulated transfusion lab — complete with guidance through the blood grouping process and selection of the appropriate blood unit for transfusion. Trainees receive immediate feedback on their actions, with mistakes graphically illustrated to emphasize the importance of accuracy in blood matching.

Developed in partnership with Make Real, the VR app immerses users in a 14-minute journey from meeting a patient to executing a transfusion — offering a realistic simulation of laboratory procedures, including the selection and mixing of reagents.

Why does it matter?

The primary goals of the app include providing an interactive training experience, raising awareness about the specialization in transfusion science, and encouraging more individuals to enter the scientific field — addressing the current recruitment challenges faced by hospitals in hiring trained transfusion specialists.

NHSBT is promoting the app as a resource for secondary schools, colleges, and universities to inspire future generations towards careers in transfusion science, highlighting the critical need for increased knowledge and competency in blood transfusions to enhance patient safety.

On the record

"We're delighted that the VR app we developed for training our own professionals has found a home on the Meta App Lab store and will reach so many more potential scientists. We have already discovered how much students on our own Introductory Blood Transfusion Science and Master's degree courses have responded to using the app and the flexibility it allows in being able to learn effectively without a physical laboratory," said Ruth Evans, scientific and clinical training and education lead for NHSBT. "This VR training complements our existing education programmes at NHS Blood and Transplant and demonstrates our innovative ongoing approach to training and education."

"We're very proud of our four-year collaboration with NHSBT, which began with Blood Identification. The app started life as a proof-of-concept, to confirm the viability of VR for intricate lab tasks. Through collaborative iteration, we enhanced the app to increase awareness of what could go wrong if the learner selects the wrong blood type," commented Tonia Mamai, partnerships director at Make Real. "We worked closely with the NHSBT team to ensure an impactful experience can be delivered, driven by specific learning objectives of the target audience. Ruth's team have been strong advocates of the VR experience and it's been a pleasure working with them."

"It's fantastic to see the virtual reality training tool for blood typing developed by NHS Blood and Transplant widely available. The NHS Blood and Transplant training and education team should be proud of this innovation to improve quality and help patients get the blood they need," added Vicki Chalker, deputy chief scientific officer at NHS England. "It's not just a good way to learn, it's informative, fun and can be used by young people, patients, professionals."