Medical students' perception of the application of a virtual reality training model to acquire vaginal examination skills

Abstract

Objective: To review the perception of and feedback from medical students on the application of a virtual reality (VR) model to acquire vaginal examination (VE) skills.

Methods: A specially designed VR training model on VE was developed with the aim of enhancing medical students' VE skills. Medical students attending the gynecology clinic were invited to try this VR training model. Their participation was voluntary and at the completion of their VR training, they were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to give their feedback and perception regarding this learning experience.

Results: Sixty-five sixth-year medical students completed the VR training and the feedback questionnaire: 55 (84.7%) of them reported that the training instructions were clear and 60 (92.4%) considered the training to the helpful in recalling the details of the tasks. It was also reported that VR technology could facilitate learning and interaction, and motivate learning in 80.1% and 66.2% of medical students, respectively.

Conclusion: VR technology is a potential teaching modality for medical students to acquire VE skills. However, further evaluation is needed to determine whether this learning tool is effective in enhancing clinical competence.

Keywords: medical education; medical students' perception; simulation training; vaginal examination; virtual reality.