Virtual Clinical Experiences

Insight Area

Summary

Learning Effectiveness

Students found the first-person smart glasses perspective valuable for observing nuanced clinical techniques, improving clarity and reducing passive observation.

Student Engagement

Engagement was consistently high, especially when radiographers narrated actions. Students stayed focused, even during technical decision-making.

Patient Comfort

Patients reported feeling calm, respected, and uninhibited by the tech. The glasses were viewed as non-intrusive.

Empathy & Communication

VCE allowed students to observe relational skills like body language, tone, and rapport building—skills often missed in traditional placements.

Reflective Practice

Structured reflections aligned with standards helped students connect theory to practice, encouraging deeper learning and critical thinking.

Professional Identity Formation

Students began to see themselves as future clinicians, not just learners, thanks to real-time immersion and reflection.

Diagnostic Reasoning

VCE enabled observation of real-time decision-making (e.g. IRMER, ALARA principles), boosting safety awareness and clinical judgement.

Scalability & Inclusion

VCE enabled more students to observe at once without overcrowding, enhancing capacity and access to learning opportunities.

Staff Development

Diagnostic radiographers improved narration and pedagogy through VCE use, despite a small learning curve.