Research

An Integrated Research Approach

The Centre for Advanced Training Systems (ATS) has a strong research focus, which is applied to all aspects of our activities.

Our research approach is integrated into all phases of project development, from initial project conception through to resource delivery.

Within each project we collect data and integrate the following research aspects:

Training Tool Development

We integrate evidence-based and scientifically-established concepts to address unmet needs, which consider individual training outcomes, trainer objectives and organisational requirements.

Specific Aspects:

User attitudes & concerns
Existing resources
Technology options & features
Organisation capacity & resources

User Testing & Feedback

We take an active approach to gather data from users throughout the development process and to assess the final training tool.

Specific Aspects:

User experience
Tool optimisation
Training efficacy & functionality

Dissemination & Implementation

We work with organisations to ensure that the new training tool is accessed by users to deliver outcomes.

Specific Aspects:

Hardware acquisition & logistics
Dissemination strategy
Supporting documentation & content
User analytics & uptake

Further, we conduct scientific research studies to improve and optimise teaching and learning within The University of Newcastle and our partner organisations.

Our focus is on addressing specific questions, to improve our understanding of how people learn and interact with technology. We directly test and compare different training delivery systems to identify the benefits and disadvantages of each modality. As experts in physiological stress, we also investigate the physiological effects of technology on the body during teaching and learning (e.g. heart rate, respiratory rate and physiological arousal).

Latest News

Advaced Training Systems Presents TACTICS Journey at Hunter MedTech Innovation Cluster Event

Original Article Here: Thanks to Adam Walczak at John Hunter Living Lab for cohosting with Kate O'Mara for cohosting another HMIC (Health & Medtech Industry Cluster) event bringing together industry, government, clinicians and University of Newcastle and Hunter...

Advanced Training Systems Presents at SPARK Digital Health Symposia

Original Article: We had a great time at our Digital Health Innovation - Expert Panel event! 🏥 Our esteemed speakers Dr Amandeep H., Professor Rohan Walker, and Professor Karen Blackmore provided invaluable insights on digital health transformation, work system...

Breakthrough in Stroke Care Training

Original Article Here: Emergency department nurses across NSW will gain valuable real-time experience with stroke care through new virtual reality (VR) training program being rolled out across the state. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park today officially launched the...

Examples of Current & Ongoing Research

Evaluation of an App-Delivered Psychological Flexibility Skill Training Intervention for Medical Student Burnout and Well-being.
Comparing approaches for the selection and deployment of extended reality teaching applications.
Effectiveness of respiratory control training using a biofeedback-enabled, virtual reality training module. How many sessions are required to reach competency? How long are skills retained?
What is the benefit of an immersive learning environment for controlled breathing training? Comparison of skills acquisition of controlled breathing using an immersive VR environment and a 2D screen-based approach.
Can procedural training in VR reduce the number of iterations required for procedural training in the real world?
How stressful is virtual reality? Correlating immersion, fidelity, performance and threat in mixed-reality applications with physiological responses.
Should XR-based technologies be integrated into tertiary education? How? Moving past early adopter enthusiasm: General attitudes and concerns towards mixed-reality technology as a teaching tool within the University system.
How can XR-based technologies be integrated and supported at an institutional level? Scaling mixed-reality technology as a sustainable and supported teaching tool across multiple teaching courses and classes.

Example Publications

TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth Virtual Reality Training for Health Care Professionals Involved in Stroke Management at Telestroke Spoke Hospitals: Module Design and Implementation Study. Maltby S, et al., JMIR Serious Games. 2024
Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Platform to Train Stress Management Skills for a Defense Workforce: Multisite, Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Kluge MG, et al., J Med Internet Res. 2023
Evaluation of an App-Delivered Psychological Flexibility Skill Training Intervention for Medical Student Burnout and Well-being: Randomized Controlled Trial. Ditton E, et al., JMIR Ment Health. 2023
Comparing approaches for selection, development and deployment of extended reality (XR) teaching applications. Kluge et al., 2022. Education Information Technology.
Development and pilot implementation of TACTICS VR: A virtual reality-based stroke management workflow training application. Maltby et al., 2021. Plos One.
Evaluation of an app-delivered psychological flexibility skill training intervention for medical student burnout and well being: randomized controlled trial. Ditton et al., 2022. JMIR Mental Health.
Development of a modular stress management platform (Performance Edge VR) and a pilot efficacy trial of a bio-feedback enhanced training module for controlled breathing. Kluge et al. 2021. PLoS ONE.
Consideration of using virtual reality for teaching neonatal resuscitation to midwifery students. Williams et al., 2018, Nurse Education Practice.
A comparative study of cybersickness during exposure to virtual reality and “classic” motion sickness: are they different? Gavgani et al. 2018. J Appl. Physiol.
Cybersickness-related changes in brain hemodynamics: A pilot study comparing transcranial Doppler and near-infrared spectroscopy assessments during a virtual ride on a roller coaster. Gavgani et al. 2018. Physiol. Behav.
Effects of visual flow direction on signs and symptoms of cybersickness. Gavgani et al. 2017. PLoS ONE.
Profiling subjective symptoms and autonomic changes associated with cybersickness. Gavgani et al. 2017. Auton. Neurosci.
Cybersickness provoked by head-mounted display affects cutaneous vascular tone, heart rate and reaction time. Nalivaiko et al. 2015. Physiol Behav.

If you are interested in developing a specific training programme in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Training Systems (ATS), we would like to hear from you. Please send us an email or access the Contact Us page to get in touch with our team.

Designing, Developing and Implementing Next Generation Training

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Funding: The Centre for Advanced Training Systems (ATS) is based at The University of Newcastle. ATS activities are made possible through project-specific funding, as outlined in the Projects pages.