Technology-supported stress management training for professionals in the nursing profession

XR, AI and Biofeedback

Description

A high level of stress is documented among nursing students, which has a negative impact on their health, satisfaction and ability to remain in the profession. Problematic interactions that place high demands on emotional self-control are considered to be a major stressor. Measures to promote competence in dealing with stress are in demand, but are costly and time-consuming. Digital technologies open up innovative possibilities for motivating, evidence-based and scalable approaches that can reach large target groups at low marginal costs, enable personalized learning independent of time and place and can be easily embedded in curricula. Based on extended reality (XR), generative artificial intelligence (genKI) and biofeedback training, the project is developing and evaluating the prototype of a learning environment for basic vocational training that enables (prospective) skilled workers to train emotional self-control in professional interactions independently and sustainably. The novelty lies in the unique combination of technological (simulation of stressful interactions via XR, and embodied AI chatbots), health-psychological (biofeedback in relaxing XR environments) and vocational-didactic (integrated coaching and knowledge transfer) approaches. Through an iterative design process, the prototype and its USP will be refined so that the stress management training is specifically geared towards the target group of healthcare professionals. The effectiveness and acceptance of the prototype will be examined and the strategic basis for prototype commercialization will be developed. With the aim of a broad and sustainable integration of the learning environment into the training of prospective professionals, the quality of training is to be improved, the high stress-related drop-out rate among nursing staff reduced and thus a contribution made against the worsening shortage of skilled workers.