Development of Virtual Reality Educational Content on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Pilot Study

Through virtual reality technology, users experience challenging situations in a virtual world without physical experiences. This study aims to develop educational content using virtual reality to help patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and evaluate its usability. This pilot study developed virtual reality educational content using the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) model. An educational needs assessment targeted 20 experts and patients at a tertiary hospital. The content developed included pre-magnetic resonance imaging nursing, the magnetic resonance imaging process, and post-magnetic resonance imaging nursing. In pre-magnetic resonance imaging nursing, patients completed consent forms and received preparation instructions. The magnetic resonance imaging process included the environment, vision, and noise experienced during the examination. Post-magnetic resonance imaging nursing included precautions. An additional 12 experts and patients subsequently participated in virtual reality implementation and evaluation. Virtual reality evaluation included survey and semistructured face-to-face individual interviews. It scored 96.5 points out of 100 in usability, with little difference between experts' and patients' evaluations. In the qualitative evaluation, virtual reality educational content was revealed to be a useful approach, and the final virtual reality educational content was completed by reflecting the improvements suggested by participants. The findings offer tangible benefits for both healthcare professionals and patients by addressing the challenges associated with magnetic resonance imaging procedures through innovative educational interventions using virtual reality technology. Virtual reality educational content can be used as a practical training method in clinical settings.