Recognising and Managing Sepsis Through Virtual Reality and Enhanced Active Learning Strategies
In this episode of the NUS Nursing Research Podcast Series, Dr Jocelyn Chu speaks with Dr Chua Weiling, Research Fellow at the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS). Dr Chua’s work focuses on improving the recognition and management of sepsis in hospital settings and using innovative methods like virtual reality (VR) to teach future healthcare professionals.
1. Understanding Sepsis and Its Global Impact
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection that can lead to multiple organ failure and death if not treated promptly.
- Common symptoms include fever or low temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, shortness of breath, and extreme discomfort.
- Globally, sepsis causes around 11 million deaths every year and has a mortality rate of 30–45 percent.
- Many cases are preventable and treatable with early recognition and rapid medical intervention.
Certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- The elderly and infants
- People with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions (heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, cancer)
- Those using immunosuppressive therapy
- Patients recently hospitalised or recovering from severe infections such as COVID-19
The World Health Organization recognises sepsis as a global health priority and urges better education and early detection protocols.
2. Why Education and Training Are Key
Dr Chua highlights that early detection saves lives, making the education of medical and nursing students vital. Her research focuses on improving learning strategies to ensure healthcare professionals can identify and manage sepsis effectively.
Through a systematic review of 32 studies, her team found that active learning methods—such as simulation and game-based learning—produce significantly better learning outcomes than traditional lectures. These approaches give students hands-on clinical experience in a safe, controlled environment, essential for mastering complex topics like sepsis.
3. The Sepsis Interprofessional Education (IPE) Programme
In collaboration with Associate Professor Lau Sing, Dr Chua developed the Sepsis IPE Programme for undergraduate medical and nursing students at NUS.
The programme combines:
- Self-directed e-learning on communication skills and sepsis management
- Desktop virtual reality simulation where students work together in realistic clinical scenarios
This blended learning model helps students connect theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
- The VR simulation promotes teamwork between disciplines, replicating real-life hospital situations.
Gamified features like quizzes, scoring, and time challenges make learning engaging and interactive.
4. Results and Student Feedback
The Sepsis IPE Programme was tested with 415 students, producing measurable improvements:
- Significant gains in sepsis knowledge and team communication skills
- Increased appreciation for interprofessional collaboration
- Positive feedback describing VR as a refreshing, fun, and motivating way to learn
The study also revealed that adding high-fidelity simulations (using mannequins and live practice) after the VR training further enhances students’ decision-making, communication, and clinical reasoning skills.
5. The Role of Nurses in Sepsis Management
Dr Chua stresses that nurses play a frontline role in recognising sepsis, as they have the most patient contact and conduct regular bedside monitoring. However, her research found:
- Knowledge gaps among nurses regarding sepsis identification and management
- Low confidence levels in assessing at-risk patients
- A strong desire for more sepsis education and training opportunities
To address this, Dr Chua and her team are developing a blended simulation-based training programme for hospital nurses, part of a larger initiative to improve sepsis care protocols and adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
6. The Future of Sepsis Education
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual simulations, highlighting their value in healthcare education.
- VR training allows flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and repeatability.
- It bridges the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice.
- When combined with traditional simulations, it enhances long-term skill retention and critical thinking.
Dr Chua believes that technology-enhanced active learning is the way forward. However, she emphasises that technology must be purposefully designed to meet educational needs, ensuring that it complements—not replaces—effective teaching strategies.
7. Closing Thoughts
Dr Chua’s innovative approach demonstrates how virtual reality and active learning can transform healthcare education. By merging technology, teamwork, and clinical realism, nursing and medical students gain the confidence and competence to recognise and manage sepsis early—saving lives in the process.
As she concludes:
“Technology can be a powerful tool for facilitating learning, but its integration should always be guided by educational needs to optimise outcomes.”
Podcast Host: Dr Jocelyn Chu
Guest: Dr Chua Weiling, Research Fellow, Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore
Episode: Recognising and Managing Sepsis Through Virtual Reality and Enhanced Active Learning Strategies
