WHAT IS 'HAPTICS'?

According to Encarta, haptics is defined as 'tactile sensation applied to computer applications' which bascially translates into software that enables users to 'feel' their interaction with the computer program.

WHY IS THAT USEFUL?

Although force feedback is common in computer games, it can bring real benefits to training environments of all kinds. UK Haptics is looking primarily at medical environments and the benefits of practising technique to establish confidence in nursing students in particular. Imagine the benefits of a situation where you can practise a procedure in a number of life like scenarios, learning as you do so how to improve and perfect your technique in a safe environment which poses no risk to patients, but where you do obtain feedback and metrics on performance.

VIRTUAL VEINS & CLINICAL SKILLS TRAINER

Virtual Veins, the first in the Clinical Skills Trainer suite of web based applications from UK Haptics, provides state-of-the-art training in venepuncture. Trainees can practise until confident on a virtual 3D hand and receive feedback on their performance.