With the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical placements were greatly impacted by decreasing the number of possible contacts, or even the complete cancellation of contacts. For this reason, Virtu-WIL initiative, from Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan), was created to address these challenges by creating new and innovative virtual ways for healthcare students in nursing, medical laboratory sciences, paramedicine to acquire competencies and make valuable connections with employers.
The Virtu-WIL project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Body Interact is one of the 4 solutions chosen to deliver the virtual simulation scenarios. The agreement includes the development of 12 virtual patient simulation scenarios that will be available in French and English for the next 5 years (2022 to 2027) to more than four thousand Canadian students.
The scenarios are focused on respiratory, neurology, obstetrics, and microbiology. Challenging students to face clinical conditions such as pulmonary embolism without hemodynamic instability, wound infection pathogens, postpartum hemorrhage, and much more.
The project also meets the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all (Goal 4); achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls (Goal 5); promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all (Goal 8); as well as reduce inequality within and smog the countries (Goal 10).
- Virtual simulations are developed on multiple platforms selected through an open procurement process
- 4000 students will receive a stipend to successfully complete the Virtu-WIL Program between September 2021 and March 31, 2022
Simulation Canada and Colleges & Institutes Canada from across the country are also collaborating with the project, to offer students innovative learning opportunities using virtual simulation.
For more facts and detailed information on the project consult the Virtua-WIL Project page.
