The Transformative Potential of Virtual Reality Technologies in Healthcare Education: Review of Efficacy in Training and Patient Education"

Abstract

Background: The integration of virtual reality (VR) technologies in healthcare education has gained momentum, offering innovative approaches to enhance training for healthcare professionals. Conventional education methods often face limitations such as time constraints and a narrow range of clinical scenarios. VR presents an opportunity to overcome these challenges by providing immersive and repeatable learning experiences.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the educational efficacy of VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in healthcare training. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2014 to 2023. The analysis included studies across various healthcare disciplines, focusing on knowledge acquisition, skill development, and learner attitudes.

Results: A total of 45 studies were included, revealing that VR significantly improved knowledge scores compared to traditional education methods (SMD 0.28). Notably, VR was especially effective in medical and nursing education, enhancing skill acquisition (SMD 0.23) and fostering positive attitudes toward learning (SMD 0.65). However, some studies indicated no significant differences in knowledge retention compared to conventional methods, highlighting the mixed efficacy of VR training.

Conclusion: Virtual reality technologies demonstrate substantial potential to enhance healthcare education by improving knowledge, skills, and learner satisfaction. Nonetheless, the variability in study outcomes and the need for further research on different VR modalities underscore the importance of continued investigation into the most effective applications of VR in medical training.