Contraceptive Counseling Training Study

Study Summary

Researchers at the University of South Florida invite women's healthcare learners to take part in a research study on training methods for contraceptive counseling. Participants will train using one of two instructional approaches, including an immersive VR scenario, then put their skills into practice with a trained standardized patient in a simulated clinic and receive feedback on their performance.

Available Training Dates

Training will be offered on the following dates in 2026:

· Thursday, November 5
· Friday, November 6
· Friday, November 13

Each training day offers 24 spots. Each participant will attend one session on one of these dates. Dates are offered on a first come, first served basis, so early registration is encouraged.

Time Commitment

One session, approximately 2 1/2 hours total, not including travel time.

Cost

There is no cost to participate.

Who Can Participate

Current women's healthcare clinicians and learners in the Tampa Bay area, 18 years of age or older, including OB/GYN and Emergency Medicine residents, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner students, and midwifery trainees. Participants must be comfortable wearing a VR headset for the duration of a simulation scenario (approximately 15 minutes), able to provide informed consent, and able to communicate in English.

Individuals with a history of epilepsy or seizures, implanted medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, or severe visual or auditory impairments are not eligible to participate.

What to Expect

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two training approaches: an immersive VR scenario or a prerecorded video lecture. Afterward, you'll practice your skills in a simulated counseling session with a trained standardized patient and share feedback on your experience through a few brief surveys. Before you leave, you'll have the chance to try the other training approach as well.

Potential Benefits to Participants

Participants may gain additional practice that supports competence and confidence in contraceptive counseling, including patient-centered communication and shared decision-making. You'll receive your own performance scores from the standardized patient session and will have access to both training approaches by the end of the day. This is an opportunity to supplement existing coursework and clinical training at no cost.

About the Location

Training takes place at the USF College of Nursing- Center for Advanced Clinical Learning (CACL), 12912 USF Health Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, a simulation facility designed for healthcare education and skills training.

Oversight

This study has undergone review by the USF Institutional Review Board (IRB). Participation is voluntary, you may withdraw at any time without any consequences, and your decision will not affect your status in your program. Participants will not be compensated. This is a minimal risk study, meaning the risks are similar to those of everyday life. Some people may experience mild motion sickness when using VR; you may take breaks or stop at any time.

This study (#009842) is being conducted by Shannon Bailey, PhD, at the University of South Florida. Questions may be directed to shannonbailey@usf.edu.

https://youtu.be/PKv0sEKirzw?si=ncX6Sl7KcqukDpvz