Tripathi Swapnil, Ray Avinash, Dhawan Tanya, Khan Mohammed Athif, Ahmad Roshaan
General Surgery, Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust, Worcester, GBR.
Community Medicine, Army Medical Corps/Indian Air Force, Gwalior, IND.
Cureus. 2025 Jun 18;17(6):e86289. doi: 10.7759/cureus.86289. eCollection 2025 Jun.
The integration of technology into medical education has transformed traditional teaching paradigms, with virtual reality (VR)-based simulation emerging as a powerful tool for surgical training. This study evaluated the impact of a structured VR simulation curriculum on the technical proficiency, confidence, and clinical decision-making skills of junior surgical trainees.
A prospective, multicenter study was conducted across three hospitals involving 60 junior surgical trainees (Core Surgical Trainees (CST1, CST2) or equivalent Junior Clinical Fellows). Participants were randomized into two groups: (i) VR-based simulation training cohort (n=30), which utilized high-fidelity VR modules for laparoscopic procedures, and (ii) traditional apprenticeship model cohort (n=30). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using validated global rating scales for technical skills (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS)), time-to-completion metrics, and confidence scores measured via a Likert scale. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The VR-trained cohort demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OSATS scores compared to the traditional training group (p<0.01). Participants also showed a 30% reduction in operative time for basic laparoscopic tasks. Confidence levels post-training were significantly higher in the VR cohort (mean Likert score: 4.5 vs. 3.2, p<0.05). Notably, trainees reported greater engagement and a reduced perceived learning curve with VR-enhanced training.
Our findings suggest that VR-based simulation is a valuable adjunct to conventional surgical education, offering a safe, controlled, and reproducible environment for skill acquisition. The study highlights the potential for widespread implementation of VR curricula to standardize competency assessment, ultimately improving patient safety and surgical outcomes.
VR-based simulation is an innovative and effective method for enhancing surgical education. Future studies should explore its integration into national training programs and long-term clinical impact.
技术融入医学教育已经改变了传统教学模式，基于虚拟现实（VR）的模拟成为外科培训的有力工具。本研究评估了结构化VR模拟课程对初级外科受训人员技术熟练程度、信心和临床决策技能的影响。
在三家医院进行了一项前瞻性多中心研究，涉及60名初级外科受训人员（核心外科受训人员（CST1、CST2）或同等水平的初级临床研究员）。参与者被随机分为两组：（i）基于VR的模拟训练组（n = 30），使用高保真VR模块进行腹腔镜手术训练；（ii）传统学徒模式组（n = 30）。干预前后使用经过验证的技术技能整体评分量表（客观结构化技术技能评估（OSATS））、完成时间指标和通过李克特量表测量的信心分数进行评估。使用配对t检验和方差分析（ANOVA）对数据进行分析。
与传统训练组相比，VR训练组的OSATS分数有统计学显著提高（p < 0.01）。参与者在基本腹腔镜任务的手术时间上也减少了30%。VR组训练后的信心水平显著更高（平均李克特分数：4.5对3.2，p < 0.05）。值得注意的是，受训人员报告称，VR强化训练使他们参与度更高，且感觉学习曲线更平缓。
我们的研究结果表明，基于VR的模拟是传统外科教育的有价值辅助手段，为技能获取提供了一个安全、可控且可重复的环境。该研究凸显了广泛实施VR课程以规范能力评估的潜力，最终改善患者安全和手术结果。
基于VR的模拟是加强外科教育的一种创新且有效方法。未来研究应探索将其纳入国家培训计划及其长期临床影响。
