VR, also known as Virtual Reality, is defined as an “artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one’s actions partially determine what happens in the environment”(Merriam-Webster.com).
You might have first become familiar with virtual reality from online gaming, Xbox, and PS4, where one immerses themselves into the realm of the game and is essentially in a different universe. It is no surprise that VR is now being introduced in the medical field as a new visualization technique for medical students.
How can this be used in medical education, and how effective is it? You might ask yourself. As I said in the previous paragraph, VR can immerse you into a different environment different than the one you are currently in. In essence, a medical student in an anatomy class can place themself in a field such as a dissection where they can safely learn, experience, and practice without harming themselves or the patient. We also can look at the fact that a student is practicing what they learned, and being able to practice it in real life on a patient can make for a better experience than a traditional learning method from textbooks and lectures where a student is not able to use what they learned and apply it in real life.
In a recent study, The effectiveness of virtual reality-based technology on anatomy teaching: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies by Jingiie Zhao, Xinliang Xu, and Yi Ding found that “VR interventions have a moderate enhancement (SMD=0.53) in test scores of learners in comparation with conventional or other 2D digital methods”. The study then discusses that the lack of testing, limitations, and bias, makes it challenging to come to a complete conclusion.
The benefits of using virtual reality:
- Anatomically realistic: one using VR is allowed to be able to see the anatomy of the body, muscles, blood vessels, and bones in 3D, allowing for a better understanding of the anatomy of the human body.
- Medical equipment stimulation: VR allows the student to use medical equipment one might not have had access to in a classroom with limited supplies, thus making it beneficial when placed in a hospital.
- Scenario stimulation: When a medical student is in their placement, they might be unable to put themselves in certain situations when the time arises between a resident and patient. Using VR can help place the students in cases they might not be familiar with to prepare themselves.
Implications of using VR:
- Cost: Virtual reality is costly. When you think of it, it’s not just the system itself. The program that goes into the system, along with hardware, computers, graphics, tracking systems, accessories, and HDR, which can be the deciding factor for colleges interested in introducing it into their medical program.
- Side effects: Users have reported cybersickness, similar to motion sickness, which includes nausea, disorientation, eye strain, and nausea during and after using virtual reality.
- Reduces face-to-face interactions: When using VR, you are not interacting face to face, from a physician to patient interaction. Instead, the student is practicing with a script that limits their exposure to real-life conversations.
Take a look at the video below where Joshua Sherman, MD, explains how the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) uses virtual reality to train physicians for pediatric emergencies.
Overall, the use of virtual reality in medical education has its many obstacles but could this be the permanent future of medical schooling? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
Virtual Reality (VR) for Medical Education in 2022 (scnsoft.com)
Smith+Nephew expands medical education with simulation tech (massdevice.com)
Using Virtual Reality to Train Physicians for Pediatric Emergencies – YouTube