ArticleThe Australian journal of rural health2026
From Simulation to Inspiration: Using Virtual Reality to Explore Rural Health Careers.
Article in The Australian journal of rural health, 2026. 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
objectiveTo examine whether a VR rural health experience, co-created using an established process and research protocol, could achieve similar impacts on rural practice intent and reflective engagement in a different geographic and organisational context.
settingMetropolitan Sydney and Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia.
participantsForty-one health science students and professionals recruited at careers-related events or while on placement. Most participants (81.1%) were from metropolitan areas, and 39% had no prior rural work exposure.
designA parallel convergent mixed-methods study. Participants completed pre- and post-viewing surveys assessing intended practice location and presence in the VR environment. A subset (n = 38) participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests; interviews underwent reflexive thematic analysis.
resultsPost-VR, there was a significant shift in intended practice location (p = 0.035, r = 0.233), with increased interest in inner regional and small rural communities. Participants reported high levels of presence and engagement. Three themes and four subthemes were developed, summarised as: (1) VR as immersive and convenient, though limited in interactivity; (2) a rural education and awareness tool that contextualised the rural environment and challenged assumptions; and (3) a career decision-making aid that reduced uncertainty, supported exploration and helped assess person-environment fit.
conclusionA locally tailored VR rural health experience reproduced, and built on the key outcomes of an earlier study in a different context, supporting its adaptability and potential as a scalable tool for rural workforce development through critical reflection and informed career exploration.
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