Exploration of Visuo-haptic Interactions to Support Learning Leopold's Maneuvers Process in Virtual Reality

Abstract

We present Leopold's Maneuvers VR, a haptic-enabled virtual reality simulation in which a user determines the size, position, and weight of a fetus within a virtual patient by palpating the patient's abdomen. Users of the application receive corresponding haptic cues (force and vibration) as they touch the fetus through the patient's torso. The physical sensations generated by the SenseGlove, paired with the immersive visuals within the virtual environment, support to create a palpation experience similar to the real Leopold's Maneuvers activity. This application addresses a need in nursing education for an immersive virtual reality experience that integrates direct hand manipulation in the learning of assessment skills.