Guidelines for developing and integrating 360-degree video in healthcare education.

Abstract

The rapid growth of immersive virtual reality (VR) has gained widespread global attention in the field of education. In higher education within healthcare, VR has already been widely explored and employed. One specific form of virtual reality, 360-degree video, is regarded as a more user-friendly, realistic, and cost-effective alternative to other VR modalities, providing an immersive experience that requires less complex technology while still offering a high level of engagement in educational contexts. A 360-degree video is relatively easy to produce and can be seamlessly integrated into educational settings, serving a versatile and accessible tool for enhancing interactive learning experiences across various healthcare disciplines. We developed and integrated ten 360-degree videos, designed for viewing through head-mounted displays, to enhance educational practices in healthcare at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. In this article, we share guidelines for developing and integrating 360-degree videos into undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs, drawing on insights from our own experiences.