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Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation for Medical Student Procedural Training: Assessment of Cognitive Load and
Junko Tokuno1,2, Ryan M Knobovitch1,2, Fabio Botelho2,3
1Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Surgical Innovation
|April 29, 2025
Summary
Immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation effectively teaches medical students procedural skills. This study found VR to be highly usable with excellent cognitive load, confirming its value for technical skills training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Virtual Reality Technology
- Surgical Skills Training
Background:
- Previous research demonstrated immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation's efficacy in teaching medical procedural skills.
- Further investigation into the usability and cognitive load associated with VR simulation for medical training was warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and cognitive load of immersive VR simulation for teaching chest tube insertion to medical students.
- To analyze the relationship between VR simulation usability, cognitive load, and technical skill acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial involving 22 medical students.
- Participants underwent VR simulation training for chest tube insertion, followed by usability (System Usability Scale) and cognitive load (Leppink's scale) assessments.
- Technical skills were evaluated using the Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), and knowledge scores were compared pre- and post-training.
Main Results:
- Medical students showed significant improvement in knowledge scores post-VR training (86.7% vs 46.7%).
- High usability (SUS score: 82.5) and excellent germane cognitive load (9.2) were reported, with a significant correlation between usability and technical skill scores (r = 0.51, P = 0.04).
- Intrinsic cognitive load was 3.7, and extraneous cognitive load was minimal (0.15).
Conclusions:
- Immersive VR simulation demonstrates excellent usability and cognitive load profiles for medical education.
- VR simulation is a highly acceptable and effective tool for teaching technical procedural skills to medical students, complementing previous findings on its effectiveness.
