A comparison of virtual reality anatomy models to prosections in station-based anatomy teaching

Anat Sci Educ. 2024 Jun;17(4):763-769. doi: 10.1002/ase.2419. Epub 2024 Apr 7.

Abstract

Immersive virtual reality (i-VR) is a powerful tool that can be used to explore virtual models in three dimensions. It could therefore be a valuable tool to supplement anatomical teaching by providing opportunities to explore spatial anatomical relationships in a virtual environment. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to its effectiveness as a teaching modality when compared to the use of cadaveric material. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of i-VR in facilitating understanding of different anatomical regions when compared with cadaveric prosections for a cohort of first- and second-year undergraduate medical students. Students (n = 92) enrolled in the MBBS program at Queen Mary University of London undertook an assessment, answering questions using either Oculus i-VR headsets, the Human Anatomy VR™ application, or prosection materials. Utilizing ANOVA with Sidak's multiple comparison test, we found no significant difference between prosections and i-VR scores in the abdomen (p = 0.6745), upper limb (p = 0.8557), or lower limb groups (p = 0.9973), suggesting that i-VR may be a viable alternative to prosections in these regions. However, students scored significantly higher when using prosections when compared to i-VR for the thoracic region (p < 0.0001). This may be due to a greater need for visuospatial understanding of 3D relationships when viewing anatomical cavities, which is challenged by a virtual environment. Our study supports the use of i-VR in anatomical teaching but highlights that there is significant variation in the efficacy of this tool for the study of different anatomical regions.

Keywords: anatomy; anatomy education; applied anatomy; digital anatomy; learning technology; prosection; virtual reality.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anatomy* / education
  • Cadaver*
  • Comprehension
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate* / methods
  • Educational Measurement* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Anatomic*
  • Students, Medical* / psychology
  • Students, Medical* / statistics & numerical data
  • Virtual Reality*
  • Young Adult

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