Virtual reality simulation in endoscopy training: Current evidence and future directions.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) simulation is increasingly adopted for endoscopic training.
• It offers benefits such as a low-stakes learning environment, improved patient safety, and optimized endoscopy time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence on the efficacy of VR simulation in teaching endoscopic techniques.

Main Methods:

• A review of 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VR simulation in various endoscopic procedures.
• Studies covered colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Main Results:

• RCTs indicate that VR simulation-based learning improves trainee performance in technical and non-technical skills and patient comfort during the initial learning phase.
• VR simulation was not found to be a substitute for conventional teaching methods.
• Feedback was identified as a critical component of the learning process.

Conclusions:

• VR endoscopic simulation is a valuable addition to conventional training, particularly for enhancing patient safety and efficient use of endoscopy time.
• Further research is needed to optimize the integration of VR simulation into curricula.