Virtual reality study examines GP response when patients demand antibiotics

Both trainee and senior GPs prescribed antibiotics without clinical need when faced with a virtual reality (VR) scenario where patients angrily demanded them, finds new UCL research. The study, authored by an interdisciplinary team from UCL Laws, UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Computer Science and ICREA-University of Barcelona, is published today in PLOS One. It highlights how VR could be of significant use in the education and training of GPs and other professionals who encounter ethical dilemmas. The scenario, which used the Oculus Rift VR system, placed both trainee and more senior GPs into a virtual consulting room with virtual patients voiced by actors. The scenario involved a daughter pushing for the prescription of antibiotics for her mother (in her 60s) who has a sore throat and cough. The medical signs are that this is a virus, however when the GP participating suggests treatment such as rest and paracetamol, the daughter becomes increasingly angry, accusing the doctor of not prescribing the antibiotics because of NHS cuts, and because old people are invisible and no one cares about them. 8 of the 9 trainees who participated in the study prescribed the antibiotics, compared to 7 out of 12 more senior GPs.