Virtual reality (VR) as a simulation modality for technical skills acquisition

Aussama K Nassar; Farris Al-Manaseer; Lisa M Knowlton; Faiz Tuma

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102945

Virtual reality (VR) as a simulation modality for technical skills acquisition

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Oct 27:71:102945. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102945. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Authors

Aussama K Nassar¹, Farris Al-Manaseer², Lisa M Knowlton¹, Faiz Tuma³

Affiliations

¹ Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA.
² Chicago Medical School, Medical Student year 3, USA.
³ Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Saginaw, USA.

Abstract

Efforts continue to facilitate surgical skills training and provide accessible and safe training opportunities. Educational technology has played an essential role in minimizing the challenges facing traditional surgical training and providing feasible training opportunities. Simulation and virtual reality (VR) offer an important innovative training approach to enhance and supplement both technical and non-technical skills acquisition and overcome the many training challenges facing surgical training programs. To maximize the effectiveness of simulation modalities, an in-depth understanding of the cognitive learning theory is necessary. Knowing the stages and mental processes of skills acquisition when integrated with simulation applications can help trainees achieve maximal learning outcomes. This article aims to review important literature related to VR effectiveness and discuss the leading theories of technical skills acquisition related to VR simulation technologies.

Keywords: Educational technology; Simulation; Surgical education; Surgical skills; Virtual reality.

Publication types

Review