MaineHealth Maine Medical Center implemented UbiSim virtual reality simulation across its organization, operating eight virtual reality headsets primarily in kiosk mode to maximize accessibility for nursing staff. Two pilot programs, one in the post-anesthesia care unit and another with new nurses at a rural hospital, demonstrated networkwide applicability using highly customized scenarios, like a craniotomy case with newly recorded dialogue and a blood transfusion protocol tailored to Maine Medical Center’s transfusion guidelines. A central strategy is faculty empowerment, with nursing faculty trained to independently build and run virtual reality simulation cases without continuous direct support from simulation staff, leveraging UbiSim’s user interface for scalable deployment. Faculty development has been structured with four foundational training sessions completed in September 2025, with advanced trainings planned to expand case-building and voice-support capabilities. The team also introduced a “ghost mode” approach that uses a third person as a camera operator to improve observation and real-time guidance in virtual reality. Pre-briefing is emphasized to align learner expectations and focus outcomes on algorithmic thinking and protocol adherence rather than fine motor skills. Based on usage trends, Maine Medical Center is planning license and headset expansion and exploring remote-site implementation to broaden access to immersive simulation across the network.
