Virtual Reality Childbirth Education With 360° Videos

: Siivola Marjaana, Tiainen Eero, Ekholm Eeva, Leinonen Teemu, Malmi Lauri

Publisher: SPRINGER PUBLISHING CO

: NEW YORK

: 2023

: Journal of Perinatal Education

: JOURNAL OF PERINATAL EDUCATION

: J PERINAT EDUC

: 32

: 1

: 35

: 47

: 13

: 1058-1243

: 1548-8519

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2021-0021

: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrjpe/32/1/35

During the pandemic in Finland, most childbirth education (CBE) programs were canceled or transferred online. We aimed to improve the situation by developing a virtual reality (VR) CBE. This article describes the process of developing a VR CBE pilot program and the results from the preliminary user test. To create the VR experience, we used 360 degrees videos as the main content. The program is usable with VR headsets, a computer, tablet, and smartphone. When using the program with a VR headset, the users felt they were in the birthing room; they did not feel motion sickness, nor did they have usability challenges. The users preferred using the program on their own, studying independently with a tablet or mobile device.