KD Hospital launches Gujarat’s First Nursing Simulation Lab integrated with AR-VR technology

Ahmedabad, June 29, 2024 — KD Hospital unveiled KD-SAIL (KD Simulation Academy for Immersive Learning), Gujarat’s first advanced nursing simulation lab incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionise nursing education by providing immersive, risk-free training environments that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Simulation training, initially adopted by the aviation industry for its ability to provide realistic training scenarios without the risk associated with real-world environments, has become increasingly essential in medical and nursing education. KD- SAIL’s simulation lab will allow students to gain practical experience, learn from their mistakes, and develop critical skills without endangering patients.

AR zone in the lab will offer interactive human anatomy training, providing students with a deeper understanding of the human body’s complexities. The VR zone will enable students to practice clinical scenarios in immersive settings, replicating the challenges and pressures of real-world healthcare environments.

KD-SAIL is equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and task trainers that simulate critical care environments such as ICUs, PICUs, and labor rooms. These advanced tools allow students to enhance their proficiency in essential procedures, including emergency response, medication administration, and patient monitoring.

The KD Institute of Nursing Sciences, in partnership with the Indian Nursing Council, will leverage KD-SAIL to train and educate nurses across Western India. This collaboration ensures that nursing education in the region remains aligned with the latest advancements in healthcare technology and pedagogy. To further solidify its commitment to innovation, KD Hospital has partnered with leading organizations such as Laerdal (Norway), Medisim (India), and Gig XR (Australia), ensuring access to cutting-edge technological support and resources.

The launch of the Simulation Lab was graced by Dr Raghvendra Dixit, Additional Director (ME), Medical Services & Medical Education & Research, Health & Family Welfare Department – Gujarat; Dr M. M. Prabhakar, President of Gujarat Nursing Council; and Dr Pragana Dabhi, Registrar of Gujarat Nursing Council, along with Dr Adit Desai, Managing Director of KD Hospital; Dr Anuja Desai, Executive Director of KD Hospital; and Dr Parth Desai, COO of KD Hospital.

Dr Adit Desai, Managing Director of KD Hospital, said, “The global healthcare landscape is embracing simulation-based training for nurses, and India is no exception. I am immensely proud to see KD Hospital taking a significant leap forward in healthcare education with the launch of this advanced simulation lab. Traditional nursing training programs in India predominantly focus on theoretical knowledge with limited practical exposure. However, with the advent of simulation labs like KDSAIL, there is a significant shift towards experiential learning, making it the need of the hour.”

Dr Anuja Desai, Executive Director of KD Hospital & KDIAHS said, “Simulation labs like KD- SAIL offer a safe space for nurses to hone critical skills and fosters crucial competencies like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork – all essential for effective patient care.  KD Hospital has been a trailblazer in bringing world-class healthcare advancements to Ahmedabad. With the Indian Nursing Council emphasizing simulation training, and leading institutions actively incorporating these labs, the future of simulation-based nursing education in India is bright.”

KD Institute of Allied Health Sciences (KDIAHS), situated within the KD Hospital Campus, is a premier educational institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals in nursing, physiotherapy, and optometry. With a focus on excellence and innovation, KDIAHS provides state-of-the-art facilities and a rigorous curriculum to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic healthcare industry. The launch of KD-SAIL represents a significant step forward in the evolution of nursing education, promising to produce highly skilled nurses who are well-prepared to deliver exceptional patient care.