[Use of virtual reality in ENT teaching: an alternative to the conventional anatomic model]

Assessment of the middle ear requires a complex three-dimensional understanding, the teaching of which is just as important for curricular teaching as for further medical training.

The extent to which virtual reality (VR) can be used as an alternative to conventional educational methods for teaching anatomy, physiology, and pathology was examined. The objective was to evaluate a VR-supported teaching method in comparison to conventional learning on an anatomic model.

The study was conducted as a prospective two-arm single-center trial in the summer semester of 2021 at the University Hospital of Freiburg. During a seminar on the topic of the middle ear, 177 students were randomly assigned to either a control or a study group. Demographic data were collected in advance and a quantitative evaluation regarding competence and personal attitude was performed. After processing the models, the groups were formatively tested and the results were analyzed comparatively. Ultimately, crossover of the models enabled a qualitative comparative evaluation of the models and a renewed quantitative evaluation was carried out.

No significant differences between the groups were identified in the formative testing. The evaluations demonstrated increased self-assessment of knowledge competence, a tendency towards a highly positive attitude towards the VR method after completion of the course, and generally beneficial subjective aspects of the VR model. In addition, there was a positive effect and a positive perception of the delivery of anatomic content.

Use of VR is suitable as an alternative to conventional teaching methods in curricular ENT teaching. The current evidence demonstrates the equality of VR and indicates its great potential for future educational tasks.