Learning Motivational Interviewing in VR: A Feasibility Study Using Self-Reported Measures

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Training
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills are crucial for healthcare professionals addressing lifestyle-related health issues.
• Traditional simulation training for MI is resource-intensive and costly.
• Immersive virtual reality (VR) presents a potential cost-effective alternative for MI training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the feasibility of a VR-based MI training program for medical students.
• To assess usability, learning motivation, VR immersion, and proficiency in MI skills.
• To identify potential drawbacks and perceived value of VR MI training.

Main Methods:

• Developed a VR MI training program with virtual patients and common lifestyle issues (osteoarthritis, weight loss, smoking cessation).
• Fourth-year medical students completed two modules (basic techniques, communication processes) twice within one week using Oculus Quest headsets.
• Assessed usability, motivation, immersion, and MI proficiency via validated and customized questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The VR MI training was feasible and acceptable for unsupervised student use, with high user-friendliness reported.
• Participants experienced high VR immersion (90%) and some empathy (40%) with virtual patients.
• Key drawbacks included speech recognition issues affecting conversational flow; only half found added professional value.

Conclusions:

• VR-based MI training is a feasible and acceptable tool for unsupervised medical student learning.
• While increasing self-confidence, limitations in natural conversation affect perceived skill acquisition and professional development value.
• Further research is needed to address conversational limitations and enhance the perceived value for professional growth.