Developing a multi-user virtual reality training system for emergency medical technicians: Determinants of acceptance and adoption

Abstract

There is an increasing international focus on multi-user virtual reality (VR) training for all emergency medical technicians within the framework of their respective disaster medical preparedness initiatives. While multiuser VR is often deployed in a variety of digital educational settings, it has not been meaningfully explored in emergency medicine. This study was conducted to fill this research gap by developing a multi-user VR training system for the donning and doffing procedures associated with Level C protective gear. Furthermore, the current investigation also considered the determinants influencing whether emergency medical technicians are willing to adopt and accept multi-user VR training courses via conceptualizing the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. An empirical survey was conducted involving 80 emergency medical technicians in the eastern region of Taiwan to evaluate their experiences with the multi-user VR system. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, and the results showed that performance expectancy, social impact, facilitating conditions, price value, and habit significantly influenced emergency medical technicians' readiness to adopt multi-user VR training courses. Moreover, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention emerged as pivotal determinants of course adoption. However, effort expectancy and hedonic motivation did not exert a significant influence on adoption behavior. The findings of the study have important theoretical and practical implications.