Implementing a guided VR for neuroanatomy in neurology residency: acceptability and practical considerations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Neuroanatomy is crucial for neurological diagnosis and localization.
• Residency training schedules can limit opportunities to reinforce neuroanatomy.
• Virtual reality (VR) presents a novel approach to supplement traditional learning methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate neurology residents' perceptions of a guided VR neuroanatomy learning experience.
• To assess the acceptability, including ease of use, engagement, and educational value, of VR in neuroanatomy training.
• To gather feedback for optimizing VR implementation in residency programs.

Main Methods:

• Five neurology residents participated in a 40-minute guided VR session using Oculus Quest 3.
• The VR session covered key neuroanatomical structures like cerebrovascular supply and ventricular anatomy.
• Residents completed pre/post-session surveys on user experience and knowledge quizzes at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• Residents perceived the VR neuroanatomy module as user-friendly and engaging.
• Actionable suggestions were provided to improve the VR experience for advanced learners.
• Knowledge quiz results provided preliminary data for protocol refinement.

Conclusions:

• Guided VR neuroanatomy training is acceptable to neurology residents.
• VR holds potential for enhancing the practical implementation and instructional value in residency.
• Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to fully characterize VR's role in neuroanatomy education.