About
Named as one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes eleven years in a row, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) empowers
students in under- and post-graduate programs across a variety of sectors.
NKU’s Center for Simulation Education, led by Director and Associate Professor Gina Fieler, implemented Bodyswaps to
support the development of critical soft skills in their healthcare programs.
With a need to scale immersive learning while managing resources, Bodyswaps offered an engaging, effective solution.
Goals- Fill a gap in simulation curriculum by offering scalable soft skills training
- Reduce student anxiety ahead of clinical placements through experiential learning
- Introduce a platform that supports self-reflection and critical communication skills
Deployment
VR and accessibility
NKU primarily used Meta headsets for immersive delivery, with iPad access available for students prone to migraines or motion sickness. This flexible setup allowed all students to participate without barriers.
Expansion to the Mental Health curriculum
Faculty leveraged Bodyswaps’ AI roleplay templates to create a custom scenario involving a patient interview. Students needed to actively probe and ask the right questions to uncover a complex patient backstory.
Debriefs are key
Students’ time in Bodyswaps was followed by group debrief sessions which allowed students to reflect on what they learned, the feedback they received, and how it might apply to real-life clinical settings.
Alumni outreach
Bodyswaps was also used successfully during donor and alumni events, offering a simple yet impactful way to showcase simulation experiences without requiring intensive setup or staff time.
Results
After one session of our Active Listening module:
- 85% of students would recommend Bodyswaps to their peers
- 92% of students identified areas to improve on their Active Listening skills
- 85% of students increased their understanding of the module topic
In the semesters and years before, we put them in front of a live actor to do this same patient interview and it was very stressful and nerve wracking for them, especially since they've never had to do it before.
So, we've replaced it with the VR and we've noticed that anxiety level is decreasing and the comfortability speaking to patients has increased.
Gina Fieler
Director of the Center for Simulation Education & Associate ProfessorImpact
- Students reported feeling more prepared and less anxious about clinical encounters. VR served as a safe, lower-stress introduction to patient interaction.
- Bodyswaps provided a sustainable way to scale one-on-one learning experiences without the cost and logistics of hiring actors.
Advice
- Experience the content first to better support students during debriefs and troubleshoot any technical issues.
- Be sure to utilise the customization features in order to truly tailor content to your students and your curriculum.
- Think beyond your own discipline: Soft skills are universal and Bodyswaps can add value across a wide range of academic and professional programs.
It's one thing for us to say, “You did this or you said that or you appeared this way.” versus them watching themselves back or listening to themselves and they're forced to self-reflect.
I feel like it's much more impactful than us as an instructor saying, “I saw this.” Because a lot of times they don't realize that they did it.
Gina Fieler
Director of the Center for Simulation Education & Associate ProfessorFuture plans
Northern Kentucky University plans to expand Bodyswaps into upper-level nursing courses, including leadership training, and advanced programs like occupational therapy and doctoral nursing. The goal is to offer more complex scenarios as students progress.
There is also interest from the School of Business, with plans to explore how Bodyswaps can support soft skills training beyond healthcare, such as in sales and communication.
