Trandzhiev Martin, Koundouras Theodoros, Milev Milko, Laleva Lili, Mitev Atanas, Stoykov Viktor, Dimitrov Nikolay, Maslarski Ivan, Nakov Vladimir, Spiriev Toma
Department of Neurosurgery, Acibadem City Clinic University Hospital Tokuda, Sofia, BGR.
Department of Anatomy and Histology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Lozenetz, Medical Faculty, Sofia University, Sofia, BGR.
Cureus. 2024 Mar 2;16(3):e55377. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55377. eCollection 2024 Mar.
Background Neuroanatomy is one of the most complex areas of anatomy to teach to medical students. Traditional study methods such as atlases and textbooks are mandatory but require significant effort to conceptualize the three-dimensional (3D) aspects of the neuroanatomical regions of interest. Objectives To test the feasibility of human anatomy teaching medical students in a virtual reality (VR) immersive environment using photorealistic three-dimensional models (PR3DM) of human anatomy, in a limited anatomical body donation program. Methods We used surface scanning technology (photogrammetry) to create PR3DM of brain dissections. The 3D models were uploaded to VR headsets and used in immersive environment classes to teach second-year medical students. Twenty-eight medical students (mean age 20.11, SD 1.42), among which 19 females (n=28/67.9%) and nine males (n=28/32.1%), participated in the study. The students had either none or minimal experience with the use of VR devices. The duration of the study was three months. After completing the curriculum, a survey was done to examine the results. Results The average rating of the students for their overall experience with the method is 4.57/5 (SD=0.63). The "Possibility to study models from many points of view" and "Good Visualization of the models" were the most agreed upon advantages, with 24 students (n=28, 85.7%), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.6643, 0.9532]. The limited availability of the VR headsets was the major disadvantage as perceived by the students, with 11 students (n=28, 39.3%), 95% CI [0.2213, 0.5927] having voted for the option. The majority of the students (25) (n=28, 89.2%, SD=0.31) agreed with the statement that the use of VR facilitated their neuroanatomy education. Conclusion This study shows the future potential of this model of training in limited cadaver dissection options to provide students with modern technological methods of training. Our first results indicate a prominent level of student satisfaction from VR training with minimum negative reactions to the nature of headsets. The proof of concept for the application of photorealistic models in VR neuroanatomy training combined with the initial results of appreciation among the students predisposes the application of the method on a larger scale, adding a nuance to the traditional anatomy training methods. The low number of headsets used in the study limits the generalization of the results but offers possibilities for future perspectives of research.
神经解剖学是医学学生解剖学教学中最复杂的领域之一。传统的学习方法,如图集和教科书是必不可少的,但要将感兴趣的神经解剖区域的三维(3D)方面概念化需要付出巨大努力。目的:在有限的人体解剖捐赠项目中,测试使用人体解剖的逼真三维模型(PR3DM)在虚拟现实(VR)沉浸式环境中对医学学生进行人体解剖教学的可行性。方法:我们使用表面扫描技术(摄影测量法)创建脑部分解的PR3DM。将3D模型上传到VR头显中,并用于沉浸式环境课程,以教授二年级医学生。28名医学生(平均年龄20.11岁,标准差1.42)参与了该研究,其中19名女性(n = 28/67.9%)和9名男性(n = 28/32.1%)。这些学生使用VR设备的经验很少或没有经验。研究持续时间为三个月。完成课程后,进行了一项调查以检查结果。结果:学生对该方法总体体验的平均评分为4.57/5(标准差 = 0.63)。“能够从多个角度研究模型”和“模型的良好可视化”是最受认可的优点,分别有24名学生(n = 28,85.7%)认可,95%置信区间(CI)为[0.6643, 0.9532]。VR头显数量有限是学生认为的主要缺点,有11名学生(n = 28,39.3%)选择了该选项,95% CI为[0.2213, 0.5927]。大多数学生(25名)(n = 28,89.2%,标准差 = 0.31)同意使用VR促进了他们的神经解剖学教育这一说法。结论:本研究表明,在有限的尸体解剖选择情况下,这种培训模式在为学生提供现代技术培训方法方面具有未来潜力。我们的初步结果表明,学生对VR培训的满意度很高,对头戴设备的性质负面反应最小。逼真模型在VR神经解剖学培训中的应用概念验证以及学生中初步的赞赏结果有利于该方法在更大规模上的应用,为传统解剖学培训方法增添了细微差别。本研究中使用的头显数量较少限制了结果的推广,但为未来的研究提供了可能性。