Virtus Tech
Title: Wales’s Virtual Hospital – Transforming Medical Education Through Immersive Technology
Research Area: Human Behaviour and Psychophysiological Measurement / Reality Capture, 3D Modelling and Virtual Simulation
Partner: Virtus Tech, Cardiff University, Swansea University, HEIW, NHS Wales Health Boards
Project outline
Project outline
Virtus Tech, a Welsh SME specialising in virtual reality and digital learning tools, partnered with ATiC and a consortium of academic and healthcare institutions to develop Wales’s Virtual Hospital. This ambitious project brings together Cardiff University, Swansea University, multiple NHS Health Boards, and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to create a cutting-edge, online virtual learning environment for medical education.
The platform enables clinicians to design three types of immersive learning experiences, each centred around patient scenarios:
- 360° still environments with embedded content for eLearning modules
- 360° video environments with interactive branching and non-branching gameplay
- Fully immersive 360°/3D simulations for hands-on virtual training
The system also features a dual-interface design—one for learners and another for clinicians creating and uploading content—ensuring accessibility and ease of use.
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ATiC played a key role in evaluating the platform’s usability and educational effectiveness, helping Virtus Tech refine the user experience and expand its reach in the medical education sector.
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- Conducted heuristic evaluations and structured user testing of the virtual environments
- Used eye tracking and semi-structured interviews to assess user interaction and learning outcomes
Impact:
This collaboration not only supports Virtus Tech’s growth into new markets but also delivers significant educational value for students, healthcare professionals, and training providers—ultimately benefiting patient care.
