A pilot study comparing immersive virtual reality simulation and computerized virtual patient simulation in undergraduate medical education

Simulation-based teaching is an integral feature within medical education and following the emergence of virtual simulation, an array of possibilities exists for educators to choose between. However, evidence informing their use is scarce, particularly regarding outcomes assessing user experience and knowledge acquisition, and experimental studies comparing different approaches to virtual simulation. Therefore, this study compared immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation to computerized virtual patient (VP) simulation measuring their effect on knowledge acquisition and retention, as well as user experience, in fifth-year medical students. This pilot study, of a randomized crossover design, comprised 18 participants independently completing an immersive VR simulation and a computerized VP simulation. All participants completed the same two scenarios and received an induction to both modalities. Multiple-choice questions were employed to assess knowledge acquisition and retention, with participants completing the questions immediately before and after the simulation and following a 12-week interval. User experience questionnaires were completed after the simulation, utilizing both Likert scale and open-ended questions. Statistical analysis comprised a Student’s Both interventions achieved statistically significant levels of knowledge acquisition and retention. However, VR simulation achieved higher levels of acquisition (2.11; 95% CI = 0.89, 3.32, The findings indicated that both interventions are effective and acceptable educational tools. However, learning does not appear to be uniform across different virtual simulators, with participants achieving higher levels of learning following immersive VR simulation. Moreover, participants reacted significantly more positively to VR simulation, though potential applications were identified for both interventions. This study highlights the importance of an evidence-based approach to the implementation of novel simulation technologies. The findings contribute to an underexplored area of the literature and offer a step towards enabling medical educators to make an informed decision regarding the application of virtual simulation in their context.