โก Quick Summary
A recent study evaluated the perception of simulation and virtual reality (VR) in surgical practices among healthcare professionals in southern Punjab, Pakistan. The findings revealed that while there are challenges such as limited realism and high costs, a significant majority believe that these technologies can enhance surgical skills and performance.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Participants: 218 healthcare professionals from four public sector tertiary care teaching hospitals
- ๐ Methodology: Cross-sectional survey conducted via online and hard copy questionnaires
- ๐ Survey Period: January 1, 2025, to January 31, 2025
- ๐ Analysis Tool: IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ฅ Familiarity: 76.61% of participants were familiar with simulation and VR technologies.
- ๐ฐ Challenges: 54.50% cited limited realism and high costs as barriers to implementation.
- ๐ฅ Availability: 100% reported a lack of simulation and VR resources in their institutions.
- ๐ Skill Improvement: 81.80% confirmed that simulation and VR could enhance surgical skills and reduce errors.
- ๐ Correlation: A positive relationship was found between VR use and improved surgical performance (rs=0.159, p=0.019).
- ๐ก Recommendations: Prioritizing the integration of simulation and VR in training curricula is essential.
- ๐ต Funding: Allocation of funds for training and resources is crucial for effective implementation.
๐ Background
The integration of virtual simulation and virtual reality in medical education is gaining traction, particularly in surgical training. These technologies promise to enhance learning experiences, allowing trainees to practice in a risk-free environment. However, understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding these tools is vital for their successful adoption.
๐๏ธ Study
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices related to simulation and VR among surgical professionals in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was distributed to gather insights on familiarity, effectiveness, and the perceived impact of these technologies on surgical practices.
๐ Results
The results indicated that a significant majority of participants were familiar with simulation and VR technologies. However, challenges such as limited realism and high costs were prevalent concerns. Notably, 81.80% of respondents acknowledged that these technologies could lead to improved surgical skills and performance, highlighting their potential benefits despite existing barriers.
๐ Impact and Implications
The findings of this study underscore the importance of integrating simulation and VR into surgical training programs. By addressing the challenges identified, such as funding and resource availability, institutions can enhance the training experience for surgical trainees. This could ultimately lead to better patient outcomes and a more competent healthcare workforce.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The study highlights the promising role of simulation and virtual reality in surgical education. Despite the challenges faced, the overwhelming support for these technologies suggests a need for their integration into training curricula. With appropriate funding and training, the future of surgical education could be significantly transformed, leading to improved surgical competencies and patient care.
๐ฌ Your comments
What are your thoughts on the integration of simulation and VR in surgical training? We would love to hear your insights! ๐ฌ Share your comments below or connect with us on social media:
Perception of Simulation and Virtual Reality (VR) in Surgery in the Public Sector Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals of Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of virtual simulation (VS)-based institutional practices is increasing with a gradual shift in the incorporation of the latest technology such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in medical education. Our cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the perception and practice of simulation and VR among professionals in surgery. It was also aimed to identify how their integration would affect the surgical practice, including their significance and acceptance among relevant stakeholders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pre-designed questionnaire was filled in by 218 participants, from all four public sector tertiary care teaching hospitals of the southern Punjab region of Pakistan. A sample size of 218 was calculated with a 5% margin of error and an 80% confidence interval.ย The questionnaire included sections on perception, familiarity, and effectiveness of integrating simulation and VR into the surgical practice. The survey was performed from January 1, 2025, to January 31, 2025. Data was collected through online platforms (Google Forms, Google LLC, Mountain View, CA), and hard copies. Data was analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and submitted responses were represented in terms of percentage and frequency.
RESULTS: Among the participants, 76.61% (n=167) showed their familiarity with simulation and VR, andย 54.50% (n=119) reported limited realism and high cost as the challenges for implementing simulation and VR. All participants (100%)ย reported the lack of availability of simulation and VR in their institutions. Among the participants, 81.80% (n=201) confirmed the improvement of surgical skills, decreased errors, and increased performance by using simulation and VR. Spearman’s rank-order correlation showed a positive relationship (rs=0.159) and a statistically significant resultย (p=0.019).
CONCLUSION: Despite the challenges and limitations, the integration of simulation and VR into the training curriculum should be prioritized with the allocation of funds and training of supervisors. Competencies of the surgical trainees should be signed off including specified time on rehearsal before practical implications.
Author: [‘Haider SM’, ‘Fatima N’, ‘Abbas MH’]
Journal: Cureus
Citation: Haider SM, et al. Perception of Simulation and Virtual Reality (VR) in Surgery in the Public Sector Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals of Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Perception of Simulation and Virtual Reality (VR) in Surgery in the Public Sector Tertiary Care Teaching Hospitals of Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey. 2025; 17:e79428. doi: 10.7759/cureus.79428