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Implementing virtual reality for emergency training in nephrology: a large-scale study on educational impact and
Philipp Russ1,2, Jonas Einloft1, Muriel L Morgenschweis1
1Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Marburg University, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Clinical Kidney Journal
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) training effectively improved medical students' knowledge of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), a critical nephrology emergency. This large-scale implementation demonstrated VR's feasibility and educational impact in nephrology training.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology Education
- Medical Simulation
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a critical nephrology emergency demanding prompt diagnosis and management.
- Nephrology education currently lacks immersive virtual reality (VR) based emergency training modules.
- This study builds upon prior VR simulation work to assess large-scale curricular integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of implementing a VR-based training module for RPGN.
- To assess the impact of VR training on medical students' knowledge and clinical competencies in nephrology emergencies.
Main Methods:
- A custom 3D RPGN case was integrated into the STEP-VR platform as a mandatory module for fifth-year medical students.
- Knowledge was assessed pre- and post-training, comparing tutor-guided versus tutorless sessions and exploring pretesting effects.
- Student acceptance and incidence of simulation sickness were surveyed.
Main Results:
- A total of 408 students participated, showing a significant knowledge increase post-training (101% relative gain, Cohen's d = 1.30).
- Tutor-guided sessions resulted in higher posttest scores compared to tutorless sessions.
- Improvements were observed across RPGN recognition, diagnostic interpretation (urine sediment, labs, histology), and hyperkalemia management, with high acceptance and low simulation sickness.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale curricular integration of VR-based training for nephrology emergencies is feasible and educationally effective.
- This approach addresses a significant training gap in nephrology, enhancing clinical skills and student engagement.
- Sustainable embedding of VR in medical education may aid in addressing future nephrology workforce shortages.
