Laboratory of small animal surgery, Department of veterinary medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71, Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
Major of Media Theories and Production, Department of Creation and Representation, Faculty of Creation and Representation, Aichi Shukutoku University, 2-9 Katahira, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1197, Japan.
Vet J. 2024 Oct;307:106203. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106203. Epub 2024 Jul 26.
Virtual reality (VR)-based training has shown some benefits in medical education, supporting skill acquisition, and helping reduce anxiety in real-world settings. However, the use of VR simulators in veterinary education remains limited. This study aimed to introduce a VR simulator to support veterinarian training in canine anaesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. This study involved a group that learned solely with instructional videos (video group), and one that learned concurrently with the video and VR simulator (VR group). Third- and fourth-year veterinary students were included and underwent a descriptive test on canine endotracheal intubation. Canine endotracheal intubation success rates were compared between the video (n = 364) and VR (n = 60) groups of fifth-year students. A survey on the VR usability was conducted (n=91). The median descriptive test scores improved in the VR (63.3/100) vs the video group (51.5/100). The canine intubation success rates were comparable in the VR and video groups at 84.3 % and 77.4 %, respectively. A total of 90.1 % of the surveyed students rated the ease of use of the simulator highly. Overall, VR simulators were well-received, suggesting benefits in new skill retention. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of skill improvement through VR-based training, compared to conventional methods, and to assess its impact on student motivation. Evaluating the long-term effects of VR-based training on skill development and retention will also provide a deeper understanding of its educational benefits.
虚拟现实（VR）培训在医学教育中显示出一些益处，支持技能的获取，并有助于减少实际环境中的焦虑。然而，VR 模拟器在兽医教育中的应用仍然有限。本研究旨在引入 VR 模拟器，以支持兽医在犬麻醉诱导和气管内插管方面的培训。
本研究涉及一个仅通过教学视频学习的小组（视频组）和一个同时使用视频和 VR 模拟器学习的小组（VR 组）。纳入了三年级和四年级的兽医学生，并对犬气管内插管进行了描述性测试。比较了五年级学生中视频组（n=364）和 VR 组（n=60）的犬气管内插管成功率。对 VR 的可用性进行了调查（n=91）。
VR 组（63.3/100）的描述性测试评分中位数高于视频组（51.5/100）。VR 组和视频组的犬插管成功率分别为 84.3%和 77.4%。90.1%的被调查学生高度评价模拟器的易用性。
总体而言，VR 模拟器的接受度很高，表明其在新技能保留方面具有优势。需要进一步的研究来评估 VR 培训相对于传统方法在技能提高方面的程度，并评估其对学生动机的影响。评估 VR 培训对技能发展和保留的长期影响将更深入地了解其教育优势。
