How important is the VR headset to Medical students?
In the lecture hall, medical students are exposed to the unlimited possibilities in the medical field through the use of Virtual reality. And also how to handle real life clinical situations where pharmacotherapy seems not to be working on some patients, just like Kunle Adewale did with Teni.
And by medical students I mean; nursing students, medicine students, Pharmacy students, radiology students, ophthalmology students, and all students in the medical field.
Introduction
It’s still amazing how Virtual reality, which was initially associated with entertainment (e.g video games) evolved from that, to being an essential tool in medical trainings. This is because, the approach of virtual reality in medical trainings have proven to be more intriguing, dynamic, successful and experimental. It creates an immersive and interactive learning experience for the students.
Generally when medical practitioners become more conversant with simulations in healthcare, clinical proficiency is increased.
The term simulation in healthcare refers to " the use of a device such as a mannequin, a task trainer, Virtual reality or a standardized patient, to emulate a real device, patient or patient care situation or environment to teach therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, processes, medical concepts, and decision-making to a health care professional" -House of Representatives USA,111th Congres, 02-2009
In the lecture hall, medical students are exposed to the unlimited possibilities in the medical field through the use of Virtual reality. And also how to handle real life clinical situations where pharmacotherapy seems not to be working on some patients, just like Kunle Adewale did with Teni.
A young girl called Teni, after being treated in the hospital remained moody. The doctor tried his best to change her mood but didn’t succeed, not until Kunle Adewale ( founder of the Arts in Medicine project) engaged her with a virtual reality exercise. Her mood changed for the better after that. Medical students should know when a patient doesn’t need some boring dosage regimen, but an immersive experience!
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET TO MEDICAL STUDENTS?
The VR headset among other tech devices is an essential tool in the life of every medical student, as far as excellent practice is concerned. The use of Virtual reality exposes the Students to; human organs that they wouldn’t have seen ordinarily, to critical health conditions as well as their pathophysiologies. And this exposure is not a far-distant one, it is immersive! Below are some of the reasons why every medical student must have a Virtual reality headset.
✓ IMMERSIVE TRAINING AND REDUCED LEARNING PERIOD:
Most topics taught in medical schools take longer than normal time.This is because these topics are not supported with virtual explanations and hence students find it hard to understand. With VR headset and software the above problem is being solved. With this technology, students get better understanding of what is being taught in the lecture hall. The immersive and experimental experience they get, make the topic easy to assimilate.
And since the topic is assimilated easily, the teaching/training period becomes shorter than normal. It is important to say here that; for an effective learning process, students must be coached and directed on how the software works. This is to carry everyone along during the lecture/training period.
✓ BOOSTS STUDENT’S CONFIDENCE AND READINESS FOR REAL LIFE CLINICAL CASES:
You’re only confident in practice when you know what you’re doing, when you’re knowledgeable enough. The exposure Virtual reality offers to a medical student, gives him/her the confidence and readiness to face every real-life health case that comes in the future.
It’s been observed that Medical students who passed through VR medical trainings perform better than other students who don’t; in terms of ward rounds, clinical practice, medical decisions and understanding of a health condition.
✓ IT MAKES LEARNING EASIER AND FUN:
” I want to study medicine but their practicals are always overwhelming and abstract” ” Pharmacy is a good course of study but then, I can’t deal with all the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic imaginations in my small brain” . And the list of “buts” continue. Most potential medical students shy away from venturing into the course of choice because of similar reasons.
People learn in different ways. Some can cope with plenty boring theories and no visualization, while some can’t. Some, infact most students can’t effectively learn if there’s no video to back the topic, how much more will they learn if they’re immersed in the topic itself.
Some Tech companies like; Imisi 3D, Intelia, Insightful 3D are already making waves in the Tech industry because of this innovative technology (VR) and more, likewise OJ technology LTD. It has the goal of changing the African narrative in healthcare.
Conclusion
Virtual reality has come to stay and it has a lot, a whole lot in store for, not just the health sector but various other aspects of life. The least we could do is; grab it with both hands and advance with it. If this is done, the face of African’s healthcare system would be a delight to watch in years to come.
.
Apart from the above three, what are other importance of Virtual reality to medical students? I’m waiting in the comment section to read your thoughts.
It fosters and heightens the level of enthusiasm for medical students’ studies.
I can’t agree less Simeon. Virtual reality fosters immersive learning among students in general. It makes learning fun and less boring.
I’m so much interested in getting one but I can’t afford it yet. I am a medical student that is longing for an immersive and engaging experience with my studies. This idea of VR’s inclusion in medical studies is a really worthwhile reality.
I’m glad you wish to take your medical career to a higher level. I pray your wishes to come to pass because your desires are in syn with excellence.