Würzburg medical students master emergencies with virtual reality!

Würzburg medical students master emergencies with virtual reality!

An innovative method has been established in Würzburg that is revolutionizing learning for aspiring doctors: Virtual Reality (VR). Since autumn 2020, medical students at the Würzburg University Hospital have been training with this modern technology to simulate medical emergencies. The current study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, impressively shows that VR-supported learning is not only more exciting but also more effective than traditional learning methods such as videos. RadioGong reports that students use VR glasses to play through realistic scenarios such as heart attacks and shortness of breath due to lung diseases in a virtual treatment room.

What makes VR training so special? Participants practice in a safe environment where they can make mistakes and receive immediate feedback. This interactivity ensures that knowledge is not only stored in the short term, but remains anchored in the long term. The researchers hope that the graduates will be able to confidently apply the knowledge learned during the training in everyday clinical practice. In fact, the study shows that the majority of students found the training more exciting and effective, while physical stress reactions increased during the training but had no negative impact on learning success.

Learning methods of the future

Dr. Tobias Mühling heads the “Virtual Reality Simulation in Medical Studies” working group at the Würzburg University Hospital. The VR training program STEP-VR was developed here in collaboration with the Munich company ThreeDee. The big advantage of this method: Students are better prepared for real medical emergencies through VR training than through traditional teaching approaches. Loud University of Würzburg In a randomized controlled study involving 72 medical students, students visibly benefited from participating in VR simulations.

Especially in times when practical experience is often difficult to gain, VR training offers valuable space for practical exercises. After completing the training, the participants with automatic feedback were able to master the simulations without any problems, while the control group, which had only completed interactive video seminars, was unable to achieve the same success. After 30 days, the students in the VR group had retained significantly more knowledge.

Integration and future outlook

An important aspect of VR integration is the further development of the program. In addition to conducting VR-based exams, there are plans to introduce interprofessional multiplayer functions and even AI-supported tutors to further personalize and support learning. One of these exciting developments is the “Speaking VirtuAI” project, which aims to promote individual learning through AI dialogue feedback.

The positive feedback on this unique learning approach is overwhelming. The students rate the VR training as motivating and future-oriented. This shows that VR technology is not just a passing trend but could find a permanent place in medical education. The medical school in Würzburg sets a good example and shows how technology can reinvent learning.