VR Home Training and Gamification vs. Non-gamification
The aim of this randomized controlled study was to 1) learn whether doctors and medical students could use VR equipment to practice at home and learn how to perform FLUS, and 2) investigate the learning outcomes of implementing gamification in VR training.
The researchers recruited 48 doctors and medical students. 24 participants were randomly selected to practice at home with a gamified VR training scenario, and 24 participants practiced at home with a non-gamified VR training scenario. Afterwards, the participants were asked to perform FLUS on a physical simulator and their performance was evaluated by a blinded assessor.
VR vs. Physical Instructor Based Training
The aim of this randomized controlled study was to develop a self-directed training course in VR and to compare the learning outcomes of VR training with traditional face-to-face ultrasound training.
The researchers recruited 104 medical students from the University of Southern Denmark. 53 students were randomly selected to receive only face-to-face training, and 51 received only VR training. Afterwards, the students were asked to perform a basic ultrasound examination on a phantom and were evaluated and scored by a blinded assessor.
VR for Competence Assessment
his study was not about VR-based training, but rather investigated whether VR could be used as a competence assessment tool. When is a doctor ready to start performing contrast-enhanced ultrasound on patients?
The researchers behind the project developed a VR-based simulation test for contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations. They included 25 doctors with different levels of experience in this procedure and gathered validity evidence to see if the test could distinguish beginners from experts. They also defined a limit for passing the test.
VR as a Supplement to E-learning
The aim of this pilot study was to examine the learning effect of adding approximately 15 minutes of VR training to an existing e-learning course on ultrasound-guided placement of PVC.
The researchers behind the project recruited 19 medical students from University of Southern Denmark, where 9 students were randomly selected to receive only e-learning, while 10 students received only VR training. Afterwards the students were asked to place a PVC on a training phantom.
VR vs. E-learning
Medical ultrasound has evolved greatly over the past few years. It is no longer a tool reserved for specialists, but is now also used by doctors in emergency rooms and by medical students. This growing interest makes it imperative for educators to find new ways to instruct their students.
The aim of this randomized controlled pilot study was to compare the learning outcomes of basic ultrasound training via e-learning with that of virtual reality.