Improving Academic Performance in Medical Students Using Immersive Virtual Patient Simulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether immersive virtual patient simulation (IVPS) on the MedicActiv platform is influential in improving student academic performance in module validation tests.

Design: In this prospective randomized controlled study a comparison was made between IVPS training combined with regular faculty courses versus courses alone. The primary endpoint was module validation grades. Secondary endpoints were satisfaction scores (overall interest, ergonomics, realism, immersion, and training efficiency).

Setting: Angers School of Medicine, France.

Participants: 2018 to 2019 class of fourth-year students, included on a voluntary basis. In the first semester 51 students were included, of whom 13 were excluded for lack of compliance (6 and 7 from the IVPS and control groups, respectively). In the second semester we included 57 students, of whom 10 were excluded for lack of compliance (2 and 8 from the IVPS and control groups, respectively).

Results: Mean age was 21 years (±0.8). There were 85 female and 23 male students. In the first semester mean grades were 13.4 ± 1.6 versus 11/.9 ± 2.4 in the IVPS and control groups, respectively (p = 0.038). In the second semester mean grades were 15.3 ± 2.5 versus 11.9 ± 3.6 in the IVPS and control groups, respectively p < 0.001. The entire study population was pooled (n = 85): mean grades were 14.5 ± 2.4 versus 11.9 ± 3 in the IVPS group and the control group, respectively, p < 0.001. The satisfaction questionnaire response rate was 54% (46/85). Score percentages ≥4 regarding overall interest, ergonomics, realism, immersion and training efficiency were 89%, 85%, 100%, 93%, and 93% respectively.

Conclusions: Complementing conventional university education with simulation of virtual consultation cases on the MedicActiv platform improved student academic performance as compared with students studying regular courses. Students reported high levels of satisfaction with overall interest, ergonomics, realism, immersion and training efficiency on the MedicActiv platform.

Keywords: immersive patient simulator; medical education; simulation; virtual patients.