Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:29
Online Explorative Study on the Learning Uses of Virtual Reality Among Early Adopters
Published on: November 22, 2019
Implementation and Feasibility of a Real-Life Virtual Reality System in Obstetrical Education for Medical Students: A
Hiroki Nagata1, Hiroaki Komatsu1, Masayuki Miyoshi2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago, Japan.
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) childbirth education offers a realistic and engaging alternative for medical students. This 360° VR simulation demonstrated high student satisfaction and increased willingness to observe actual deliveries.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Virtual Reality Technology
Background:
- Clinical observation of childbirth is crucial for obstetric training but is limited by declining birth rates and unpredictable delivery schedules.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated limitations in in-person learning, necessitating innovative educational solutions.
- Virtual reality (VR) presents an immersive platform for medical training, offering a potential solution to these educational challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate the educational utility and student satisfaction of a 360° real-life virtual reality (VR) simulation of vaginal delivery.
- To assess the impact of VR childbirth education on medical students' engagement and willingness to participate in actual clinical experiences.
Main Methods:
- A 360° real-life VR simulation of vaginal delivery and ultrasonography was created using high-definition cameras.
- 220 medical students utilized a projection-based VR system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment; CAVE) and head-mounted displays (HMD) during clinical clerkships.
- Post-session questionnaires assessed student satisfaction and perceived educational value of the VR experience.
Main Results:
- Overall student satisfaction with the VR childbirth education was high, with notable realism reported.
- While scene-specific satisfaction varied, particularly for ultrasonography, 94.2% of students expressed increased willingness to observe actual childbirth post-simulation.
- Students suggested improvements in explanatory content and audiovisual quality.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the potential of 360° real-life VR as an effective tool for obstetric education.
- VR childbirth simulations can enhance learner engagement and perceived educational value in medical training.
- Real-life VR offers a viable supplementary method for obstetric education, addressing limitations in traditional clinical exposure.
