JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 Jul 24;15:e93439. doi: 10.2196/93439.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High-quality neonatal resuscitation (NR) depends on timely execution of technical and nontechnical skills. Simulation-based training improves NR performance, but it is resource-intensive and difficult to deliver at sufficient frequency. Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation may provide a scalable supplement to traditional mannequin-based training; however, evidence from European neonatal training settings is limited.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether immersive VR-based simulation training used as a supplement to traditional mannequin-based simulation training improves NR performance among doctors and nurses in Denmark.
METHODS: NEONATAL is a multicenter, individually randomized, 2-arm controlled superiority trial with a parallel-group pretest-posttest design (trial registration number ISRCTN 43822066). Resident doctors and neonatal nurses from 4 hospitals in Eastern Denmark will be randomized to either traditional mannequin-based NR training alone or traditional mannequin-based simulation training supplemented with immersive VR simulation training. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and endline at 6 to 8 weeks using standardized neonatal simulation scenarios, validated assessment tools, and questionnaires.
RESULTS: The study was funded in July and October 2025, as well as in January 2026. Participant recruitment began in October 2025 and was completed in December 2025, with 66 participants enrolled. Data collection was completed in February 2026. Data cleaning and analysis will take place from March to July 2026, and the results are expected to be published in autumn 2026. This study will provide data on the effectiveness, feasibility, and usability of immersive VR simulation training as a supplement to traditional mannequin-based NR training in routine clinical education.
CONCLUSIONS: The NEONATAL study addresses an important gap in NR education by evaluating immersive VR simulation training as a supplement to traditional mannequin-based training.
PMID:42497368 | DOI:10.2196/93439
