Medical Students' Experiences With Virtual Reality Simulation Training: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare
• Immersive Learning Experiences

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) technology offers immersive learning experiences in medical education.
• Previous research indicates VR enhances educational outcomes, skill acquisition, and retention.
• Limited qualitative research exists on VR user experiences in medical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore medical students' subjective experiences with VR simulation training.
• To identify perceived benefits and challenges of VR training using the Immersive Technology Evaluation Measure (ITEM).

Main Methods:

• 11 UK medical students participated in 15-20 minute interviews post-VR training.
• Deductive thematic analysis guided by the 5 domains of the ITEM was employed.
• Interviews focused on the assessment and treatment of a virtual patient.

Main Results:

• Findings aligned with ITEM domains: system usability, immersion, motivation, cognitive load, and debriefing.
• Usability issues included accessibility, technical problems, and limited scenario variety.
• Immersion was high, but interactivity limitations affected authenticity; motivation increased preparedness; cognitive load presented challenges; debriefing was valued for reflection.

Conclusions:

• VR training effectively fosters immersion and motivation in medical education.
• Balancing technical usability with cognitive demands is crucial for VR effectiveness.
• Future VR integration should prioritize design variability, structured debriefing, and further research in diverse contexts.