VIRTUAL REALITY IN MEDICAL EDUCATION: A SYSTEM REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/m.2414-5998.2023.4.14282Keywords:
medical education, virtual reality, augmented reality, distance learning, COVID-19Abstract
Abstract. This article review explores the transformative role of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality in medical education, driven by the global shift to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. While VR in medical education dates back to the 1990s, recent technological advancements, particularly in the 2010s, have revitalized its potential. A comprehensive literature review, including 52 studies conducted since 2010, reveals the versatility of VR applications, from surgical simulators to emergency response training.
Respondent feedback highlights positive assessments, especially for surgical VR simulators, immersive medical scenarios, and virtual dissection tables. VR demonstrates a positive impact on education quality, interactivity, and distance learning effectiveness. However, challenges such as high costs, technological failures, and physical side effects require strategic considerations.
Critics raise concerns about potential negative impacts on human connections and reality perception. Striking a delicate balance between harnessing technological advancements and preserving essential human elements is of paramount importance. In navigating this intersection, it becomes imperative to leverage the benefits of cutting-edge technology while safeguarding the fundamental aspects of human experience and interaction.
Despite the formidable challenges encountered, VR is unmistakably establishing itself as a transformative force within the realm of medical education. It not only provides a spectrum of diverse learning experiences but also yields positive educational outcomes. Recognizing the need for continuous advancements, ongoing research, and strategic planning become imperative to unlock and maximize the full potential of VR in education. This is especially crucial in preparing the next generation of medical professionals, particularly in the evolving landscape of distance learning. By navigating these challenges and embracing the opportunities that VR presents, the medical education sector can ensure a seamless integration of technology to enhance learning outcomes and better equip healthcare professionals for the complexities of their roles.
References
Angrist, N. (2022). Distance education strategies to improve learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Human Behaviour, 6(7), 913-914. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01382-y
Huang, T.-K., Yang, C.-H., Hsieh, Y.-H., Wang, J.-C., & Hung, C.-C. (2018). Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applied in dentistry. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 34, 243-248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjms.2018.01.009
Bernardo, A. (2017). Virtual reality and simulation in neurosurgical training. World Neurosurgery, 106, 1015-1029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2017.06.140
Blackburn, S.C., & Griffin, S.J. (2014). Role of simulation in training the next generation of endoscopists. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 6, 234-239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4253/wjge.v6.i6.234
Bracq, M.-S., Michinov, E., & Jannin, P. (2019). Virtual reality simulation in nontechnical skills training for healthcare professionals: a systematic review. Simulation in Healthcare, 14, 188-194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0000000000000347
Wong, M.A.M.E., Chue, S., Jong, M., Benny, H.W.K., & Zary, N. (2018). Clinical instructorsʼ perceptions of virtual reality in health professionalsʼ cardiopulmonary resuscitation education. SAGE Open Medicine, 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312118799602
Car, J., Carlstedt-Duke, J., Car, L.T., & Posadzki, P. (2019). Digital education in health professions: the need for overarching evidence synthesis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/12913
Bouaoud, J., El Beheiry, M., Jablon, E., Schouman, T., Bertolus, C., Picard, A., … Khonsari, R.H. (2021). DIVA, a 3D virtual reality platform, improves undergraduate craniofacial trauma education. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 122(4), 367-371. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jormas.2020.09.009
Dyer, E., Swartzlander, B.J., & Gugliucci, M.R. (2018). Using virtual reality in medical education to teach empathy. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106, 498-500. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2018.518
Peters, M.D., Godfrey, C.M., Khalil, H., McInerney, P., Parker, D., & Soares, C.B. (2015). Guidance for conducting systematic scoping reviews. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 13(3), 141-146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/XEB.0000000000000050
Car, L.T., Soong, A., Kyaw, B.M., Chua, K.L., Low-Beer, N., & Majeed, A. (2019). Health professions digital education on clinical practice guidelines: a systematic review by digital health education collaboration. BMC Medicine, 17, 139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1370-1
Hicks, P. (2016). The pros and cons of using virtual reality in the classroom. eLearning Industry, 29.
Jensen, L., & Konradsen, F. (2018). A review of the use of virtual reality head-mounted displays in education and training. Educational Information Technology, 23, 1515-1529. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9676-0
Zackoff, M.W., Real, F.J., Cruse, B., Davis, D., & Klein, M. (2019). Medical student perspectives on the use of immersive virtual reality for clinical assessment training. Academic Pediatrics, 19(7), 849-851. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2019.06.008
Tepper, O.M., Rudy, H.L., Lefkowitz, A., Weimer, K.A., Marks, S.M., Stern, C.S., & Garfein, E.S. (2017). Mixed reality with HoloLens: where virtual reality meets augmented reality in the operating room. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 140, 1066-1070. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003802
Quail, N.P.A., & Boyle, J.G. (2019). Virtual patients in health professions education. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1171, 25-35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-24281-7_3
Sigurvinsdottir, R., Soring, K., Kristinsdottir, K., & Halfdanarson, S.G. (2021). Social anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and distress in a virtual reality environment. Behaviour Change, 38(2), 109-118. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2021.4
Moro, C., Štromberga, Z., Raikos, A., & Stirling, A. (2017). The effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in health sciences and medical anatomy. Anatomical Sciences Education, 10, 549-559. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1696
Fealy, S., Jones, D., Hutton, A., Graham, K., McNeill, L., Sweet, L., & Hazelton, M. (2019). The integration of immersive virtual reality in tertiary nursing and midwifery education: a scoping review. Nurse Education Today, 79, 14-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.05.002
Gaggioli, A., Sala, A., Ferrante, M., Laskowska, N., Malvezzi, R., & Chirico, A. (2020). User experience evaluation of a physical versus virtual product: an exploratory study using immersive virtual reality. Annual Review of Cybertherapy and Telemedicine, 73.
Ustun, A.B., Yilmaz, R., & Yilmaz, F.G. (2020). Virtual reality in medical education. Mobile Devices and Smart Gadgets in Medical Sciences, 56-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-2521-0.ch004
Pelargos, P.E., Nagasawa, D.T., Lagman, C., Tenn, S., Demos, J.V., & Lee, S.J. (2017). Utilizing virtual and augmented reality for educational and clinical enhancements in neurosurgery. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 35, 1-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2016.09.002
Van Way, C.W. (2017). Thoughts on medical education. Missouri Medicine, 114, 417-418.
Vehteva, N., Nazarova, A., & Surkova, E. (2021). Analysis and Modeling of the Negative Impact of Virtual Reality. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2096(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2096/1/012033
Kyaw, B.M., Saxena, N., Posadzki, P., Vseteckova, J., Nikolaou, C.K., George, P.P., … Car, L.T. (2019). Virtual reality for health professions education: systematic review and meta-analysis by the digital health education collaboration. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/12959
Jiang, H., Vimalesvaran, S., Kyaw, B.M., & Car, L.T. (2021). Virtual reality in medical students’ education: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 11(5).
Haowen, J., Vimalesvaran, S., Myint Kyaw, B., & Car, L.T. (2021). Virtual reality in medical students’ education: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046986
Jiang, H., Vimalesvaran, S., Wang, J.K., Lim, K.B., Mogali, S.R., & Car, L.T. (2022). Virtual Reality in Medical Students’ Education: Scoping Review. JMIR Medical Education, 8(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/34860
Khan, R., Plahouras, J., Johnston, B.C., Scaffidi, M.A., Grover, S.C., & Walsh, C.M. (2018). Virtual reality simulation training for health professions trainees in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008237.pub3
Xu, X., Mangina, E., & Campbell, A.G. (2021). HMD-Based Virtual and Augmented Reality in Medical Education: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2021.692103
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Medical Education
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
