Outcomes of the Implementation of Virtual Reality for Medical Students on Surgical Placement

Surgical placement for medical students can be challenging due to the unfamiliar operative room environment and confronting vision of open surgery. Virtual reality (VR) could provide an engaging way to prepare students for surgical learning. We sought to evaluate the impact of VR on student engagement and confidence in surgical placement, and to assess the use of VR technology in this context.

Orthopaedic surgeons, involved in the medical students' education, developed workshops adapted from similar sessions with surgical trainees. Workshops occurred prior to surgical placement. Students performed orthopaedic surgical procedures using VR under a surgeon's supervision.

Thirty-six students participated in a workshop, 34 (94%) completed a pre-workshop survey, 27 (75%) a post-workshop feedback, 19 (52%) provided post-placement feedback and 22 (61%) participated in a subsequent focus group. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. Following the VR workshop, students were more confident in integrating into the surgical environment and actively interacting and engaging with the surgical team. Students found the VR technology fun to use, enjoyed doing virtual 'hands on' surgery and were desensitised to the visual impact of real surgery. Challenges were a lack of tactile feedback, the procedures not being relevant to junior doctor level and the cost of the software. Having the opportunity to meet and engage with surgeons in a non-threatening environment was an important benefit.

VR is an engaging way to introduce students to surgery prior to clinical placement and give them more confidence when experiencing the operative room environment for the first time.