A virtual simulation-based clinical skills course.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Virtual Reality in Healthcare
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Technology is transforming medical education, with virtual reality (VR) and remote simulations offering novel experiential learning methods.
• These technologies provide unique approaches for teaching clinical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a virtual simulation-based course using Kolb's Learning Cycle for clinical skills acquisition.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and scalability of VR and remote simulations in medical training.

Main Methods:

• A 5-day, 15-hour virtual clerkship curriculum was designed to train students in recognizing patients needing urgent care.
• The course utilized VR and remote simulations to facilitate all four stages of Kolb's Learning Cycle.
• Evaluation included analysis of usage, performance, self-assessment, and perceptions of educational value.

Main Results:

• 156 students completed 436 VR sessions, with a median of 3 sessions per student.
• Students improved average performance scores from 59% on the first attempt to 72% on the second attempt.
• Post-course evaluations showed significant improvements in self-assessed emergent care skills.

Conclusions:

• A virtual clinical skills course was successfully developed and implemented, enabling progression through Kolb's Learning Cycle.
• VR and remote simulations offer educators a way to expand experiential learning opportunities.
• The study suggests this method is feasible, acceptable, and scalable for enhancing medical education.