Virtual patient simulation to enhance medical students’ clinical communication and decision-making skills: a pilot study

The integration of virtual reality (VR) into medical education has accelerated globally over the past decade, offering immersive and risk-free learning environments. This pilot study explores the impact of VRPatients™-Meta Quest 3 simulations in clinical communication and decision-making among medical students. In a mixed-methods design, eleven undergraduate medical students participated in two VR sessions during the spring semester of the 2024/25 academic year. The pilot course was organized into two instructional blocks, each comprising three 90-minute sessions delivered over two consecutive weeks, incorporating VR-based training as part of the learning activities. A matched pre- and post-course survey measured the participants’ comfort with VR, perceived realism, confidence in clinical communication and decision-making, openness to VR integration into their studies, and headset usability using 5-point Likert scales and open-ended questions, followed by focus group interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed. Post-intervention mean scores improved markedly in VR comfort (3.0 ± 0.8 to 4.6 ± 0.5), communication confidence (3.0 ± 1.1 to 4.5 ± 0.5), and decision-making confidence (2.9 ± 0.9 to 3.8 ± 0.9). Headset usability and comfort was rated highly (4.7 ± 0.5). Thematic analysis of the qualitative results revealed that students regarded immersion, clinical communication practice, and safe decision-making environments as key benefits. All participants recommended the curricular integration of VR. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that immersive VR simulation can significantly enhance medical students’ clinical communication and decision-making skills in a safe, low-risk environment. The intervention was well-received and demonstrated technical feasibility. Larger controlled trials, objective outcome measures, and longitudinal evaluation are warranted to solidify VR’s role in medical education.