Next Dimension Medical Education: A Pilot Study Exploring Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Anatomy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Anatomy Education
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Traditional anatomy education relies on cadavers and textbooks.
• Medical students require effective tools for complex anatomical structures.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive learning experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a VR platform for head and neck anatomy education.
• To evaluate the impact of VR on medical students' knowledge and confidence.
• To determine if prior technological experience influences VR learning outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective trial with 21 medical students using a pretest/posttest design.
• Students completed a multiple-choice quiz before and after a guided VR anatomy session on the Meta Quest platform.
• Outcomes included quiz scores, self-reported confidence, user satisfaction, and influence of prior tech exposure.

Main Results:

• Mean quiz scores significantly improved from 4.33 (T1) to 6.67 (T2) (P < .001).
• 90.48% of students reported increased confidence in their anatomical knowledge.
• VR effectiveness was consistent across all technological backgrounds; prior VR or gaming experience had no significant impact.

Conclusions:

• VR anatomy experiences are a valuable adjunct in medical education.
• This VR platform enhances student confidence and understanding of complex head and neck anatomy.
• The benefits of VR in anatomy education are independent of students' prior technological familiarity.