Current use of virtual reality in medical education in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Results of an online survey among medical faculties

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Marie Christin Willemer - , Institut für Didaktik und Lehrforschung in der Medizin, Medizinisches Interprofessionelles Trainingszentrum (Autor:in)
  • Marcel Meyerheim - , Universität des Saarlandes (Autor:in)
  • Marvin Mergen - , Universität des Saarlandes (Autor:in)
  • Henriette Schulze - , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (Autor:in)
  • Tanja Joan Eiler - , Universität Siegen (Autor:in)
  • Lukas Mayer - , Hochschule Flensburg (Autor:in)
  • Bernd F.M. Romeike - , Universität Rostock (Autor:in)
  • Ole Hätscher - , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (Autor:in)
  • Robert Speidel - , Universität Ulm (Autor:in)
  • Anna Junga - , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (Autor:in)

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) is playing an increasingly important role in medical education and training by enabling realistic and immersive learning environments. However, a comprehensive overview of how VR is implemented at medical faculties in German-speaking countries ("DACH region") is still lacking. This article aims to close this gap by providing an overview of the current use of VR at medical faculties in the region, with a particular focus on immersive VR applications and the use of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs). Methods: To investigate the use of VR, an online survey was sent to 53 medical faculties in the DACH region. The questionnaire, which was created by a consensus of experts, collected data on VR use, technical implementation and financing in addition to demographic information. The data were analysed descriptively using SPSS. Results: A total of 36 faculties (68% of DACH institutions) participated in the survey. 56% already use HMD-based VR in teaching, 11% are planning to do so. The most common goals of using VR include preparation for clinical practice and training in procedures or rare and high-risk situations. Funding sources include third-party and institutional funding, with commercially licensed applications being the most commonly used software. Technical implementation varies, and VR headsets are mostly used in specially adapted rooms. Discussion: The spread of VR is inhomogeneous. The main challenges relate to financing, technical infrastructure and concerns about data protection. There is currently no standardised and accessible platform for the networking and visibility of VR projects in the DACH region. Conclusion: Just over half of the faculties surveyed are already using VR, while others are planning to implement it. Networking and standardized evaluations are necessary to establish VR in medical teaching. The VR Working Group (VR-AG) of the DACH Association for Medical Education (GMA) provides a useful basis for this. In addition, further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term learning effects and practical applicability of VR applications.

Titel in Übersetzung
Status Quo von Virtual Reality in der medizinischen Ausbildung der DACH-Region
Eine Onlinebefragung an medizinischen Fakultäten

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
AufsatznummerDoc61
FachzeitschriftGMS Journal for Medical Education
Jahrgang42
Ausgabenummer5
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 2025
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 41321809

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • educational technology, immersive learning environments, medical education, virtual reality