Developing Pharmacy Education: Review of Virtual Reality Technology in Improving Clinical Training and Learning Skill Development

Incorporating modern technology into education is becoming imperative. Numerous pharmacy institutions are incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology training into their curricula to enhance educational experience. This review examines the current state, historical evolution, and application of VR programs in pharmacy education and training. The review also provides details about the main challenges and limitations associated with the use of this technology. The VR technology, including virtual laboratories and simulations, significantly improves clinical training and educational outcomes. The utilization of VR in clinical teaching encounters numerous barriers, including ethical concerns and technological constraints, as well as other restrictions in its execution related to these challenges. Studies suggest that VR can enhance student engagement and develop critical skills, including knowledge retention and clinical decision-making, through realistic simulations. However, outcomes may vary depending on design factors; for instance, while immersive VR environments increase presence, some evidence indicates they may not always correlate with improved learning efficiency. Despite the challenges of incorporating VR into clinical education and training, its revolutionary potential is substantial, even when accounting for the prohibitive costs and the necessity for fair access.