ArticleGMS journal for medical education2025
Current use of virtual reality in medical education in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: Results of an online survey among medical faculties.
Article in GMS journal for medical education, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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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.
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