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360° Video-Based Virtual Reality for Preparing Medical Students for Body Donor Dissection: Randomized Controlled
Deema Al-Sheikhly1, Khadija Ahmed Elmagarmid2, Mohamed Ali Hammami2
1Continuing Professional Development Division, Medical Education Division, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
JMIR Formative Research
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) using 360° video significantly reduced trait anxiety in medical students before body donor dissection. This immersive preparation tool enhanced emotional readiness and procedural understanding for future cohorts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Technology
- Anatomy Dissection Preparation
- Virtual Reality in Healthcare Training
Background:
- Body donor dissection is crucial for medical education but often causes student anxiety and distress.
- Current preparation methods inadequately address the emotional challenges associated with dissection.
- 360° video-based virtual reality (VR) offers potential for immersive previews to enhance emotional readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a 360° video-based VR application for medical students' emotional preparedness.
- To assess the impact of VR on emotional readiness for the first body donor dissection experience.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled longitudinal study involved 43 first-year medical students.
- Participants were assigned to an intervention group (VR experience) or a control group.
- Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- The VR intervention group showed a significant reduction in trait anxiety immediately post-experience (P=.04).
- No significant differences in state or trait anxiety were found between groups before dissection.
- Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction, with 91% finding content clear and 82% recommending it.
Conclusions:
- 360° video-based VR significantly reduced trait anxiety and was perceived as valuable for preparation.
- The VR intervention shows promise for enhancing emotional and procedural readiness in medical students.
- Further research is needed to assess the impact on objective educational outcomes.
