Metaverse-powered basic sciences medical education: bridging the gaps for lower middle-income countries

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Virtual Learning Environments
• Global Health Education

Background:

• Traditional medical education struggles with providing contextual experience, limiting real-world application of knowledge.
• The metaverse offers a solution to educational disparities, particularly in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), with rapid technological advancements.
• This commentary explores the metaverse's potential for basic sciences education within LMIC constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the potential of the metaverse in enhancing basic sciences education in LMICs.
• To propose fundamental design elements and a conceptual framework for metaverse-based teaching methods.
• To assist educators and medical practitioners in understanding immersive teaching and learning factors.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of metaverse applications in various medical disciplines (anatomy, physiology, pharmacy, dentistry, pathology).
• Discussion of virtual scenario immersion for clinical decision-making, interpersonal skills, and complex medical situations.
• Identification of financial constraints as a barrier to adoption in resource-limited settings.

Main Results:

• The metaverse enables customized simulations reflecting local healthcare challenges, preparing students for community needs.
• Immersive learning experiences, interdisciplinary collaborations, and authentic assessments are facilitated by the metaverse.
• Financial limitations are a significant barrier to widespread metaverse adoption in LMICs.

Conclusions:

• The metaverse provides a promising avenue for enhancing medical education through immersive, context-rich experiences.
• A conceptual framework and design elements are proposed to guide the integration of metaverse technology into teaching.
• Effective incorporation of the metaverse can improve educational outcomes in LMICs, addressing disparities.