A Novel Approach to the Room of Errors (ROE): A Three-Dimensional Virtual Tour Activity to Spotlight Patient Safety Threats

Background: Live simulation-based activities are effective tools in teaching situational awareness to improve patient safety training in healthcare settings. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced the discontinuation of these in-person sessions. We describe our solution to this challenge: an online interactive activity titled the “Virtual Room of Errors.” The aim of this activity is to create an accessible and feasible method of educating healthcare providers about situational awareness in the hospital. Materials and Methods: We applied existing three-dimensional virtual tour technology used in the real estate sector to a hospital patient room with a standardized patient and 46 intentionally placed hazards. Healthcare providers and students from our institution accessed the room online through a link where they independently navigate, and document observed safety hazards. Results: In 2021 and 2022, a total of 510 learners completed the virtual Room of Errors (ROE). The virtual ROE increased annual participation in the activity, as compared to the in-person Room, and demonstrated learner satisfaction. Conclusions: The virtual ROE is an accessible, feasible, and cost-effective method of educating healthcare workers on situational awareness of preventable hazards. Furthermore, the activity is a sustainable way to reach a larger number of learners from multiple disciplines, even as in-person activities resume.