Virtual Reality Simulation for Cleft Education in a Low-resource Setting: Connecting Surgeons Worldwide

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) has not been previously evaluated for cleft surgery training in resource-limited environments.
• Remote surgical instruction, with instructors located on different continents, presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of VR simulation for cleft surgery training in a low-resource setting.
• To evaluate the impact of remote VR instruction on surgical trainees' knowledge and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one plastic and maxillofacial surgery trainees in India participated in a VR simulation of the Furlow palatoplasty.
• Instruction was delivered remotely by a New York-based cleft surgeon.
• Pre- and post-simulation surveys assessed knowledge, confidence, and acceptance of VR as an educational tool.

Main Results:

• Knowledge scores significantly increased post-VR simulation (P < 0.001).
• Trainees reported significantly higher confidence in VR as an educational tool and in their understanding of the Furlow repair (P < 0.001).
• The simulation was rated highly for being stimulating, increasing interest, clarity, effectiveness, and enjoyability.

Conclusions:

• VR cleft surgery simulation is an effective educational tool for low- to emerging-resource settings.
• Remote, immersive surgical training experiences can be delivered to trainees globally via VR.
• This technology overcomes geographical barriers in surgical education.