Virtual Reality-Based Training in Radiologic Technology for Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Brain Imaging:...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiologic Technology
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Radiologic technology (RT) education struggles to bridge theory and practice due to limited clinical opportunities.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers a solution for safe and repeatable practice, but requires a systematic instructional design framework for scalable modules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Radiologic Technology Virtual Reality (RTVR) framework for delivering a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) brain scan module.
• To assess the RTVR framework's impact on declarative knowledge, technology acceptance, student satisfaction, and physiological responses.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, randomized controlled trial involving 36 RT students comparing a VR module (RTVR framework) with conventional instruction.
• The VR group used a 360-degree video-based module for 20 minutes; the control group used standard materials.
• Declarative knowledge gain was the primary outcome, assessed via multiple-choice tests; secondary outcomes included technology acceptance and physiological responses.

Main Results:

• Both VR and conventional methods yielded substantial declarative knowledge gains, with no statistically significant difference between groups.
• Students reported high technology acceptance and satisfaction with the VR module.
• Physiological monitoring indicated stable blood pressure and reduced heart rate during VR immersion; no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• The RTVR framework provides a scalable and feasible approach to creating procedural VR content for radiologic technology education.
• The RTVR framework serves as an effective supplement to RT curricula for knowledge acquisition, with outcomes comparable to conventional instruction.