TBI VR Academy

TBI VR Academy: revolution in the training of radiotherapy technicians

The TBI VR Academy, launched at the Careggi University Hospital, is the first virtual reality platform dedicated to immersive training in the field of Total Body Irradiation (TBI). This innovative project, the first of its kind for Careggi, offers a highly realistic simulated environment to allow radiotherapy technicians to develop practical skills safely and effectively, while simultaneously improving the quality and safety of procedures performed on patients.

The platform faithfully recreates every stage of the TBI procedure, including patient positioning, precise alignment of plexiglass for lung protection, and calibration of radiotherapy equipment. Technicians, immersed in complex decision-making scenarios, can practice correcting the positions of the plexiglass to ensure optimal coverage of the lung fields and verify the accuracy of the radiographs. These simulations, conducted in a controlled environment, offer a unique opportunity to refine technical skills without the risk of clinical errors.

The project has benefited from the essential support of the Department of Technical Health Professions and Rehabilitation of Careggi, headed by Dr. Renzo Ricci, with the support of TSRM Manager Yannick Wandael and Dr. Cinzia Bastida, who is responsible for the development and monitoring of the departmental training plan. Furthermore, the project involved Andrea Lastrucci, researcher and Radiation Therapist, and Gabriele Simontacchi, medical director in Radiotherapy at Careggi, who shared valuable training materials for the creation of the simulator.

The TBI VR Academy was successfully presented to AITRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy Technicians), generating great interest in the professional community. To date, over 30 radiotherapy technicians have been trained, solidifying the effectiveness of the project as an excellent training tool.

The platform, based on the use of next-generation virtual reality headsets like the Meta Quest 3, combines the interactivity of VR controllers and virtual hands with an immersive experience that starts from the radiographic control room and extends to the irradiation room. This combination of realism and technology offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing learning in complex scenarios and increasing the accuracy of clinical procedures.

From a scientific perspective, the TBI VR Academy redefines the parameters of training in radiotherapy, providing technicians with a safe environment to practice and refine complex skills. This approach not only raises educational standards but also lays the groundwork for a future where virtual reality will become an essential component of medical training, promoting a more engaging, effective, and patient safety-centered learning experience.