Is there a role for virtual reality in objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)?

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Virtual reality is an area with fascinating possibilities. It has already revolutionised the entertainment industry, and over the last ten years, it has advanced similarly within the medical field. We have already seen virtual reality make a difference in a variety of ways. This ranges from improving the way surgical training is delivered, having a role in the management of chronic pain and now, it is even being considered in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. Currently, the application of virtual reality towards the training of health care professionals and medical education are concepts that are being explored. Within medical education and more specifically medical student training, the benefits of virtual reality have so far been limited to studies assessing its role in teaching. Very few studies exist looking at the role of virtual reality in the assessment of medical students. Therefore, in this article, we discuss the idea of utilising virtual reality for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and analyse the potential benefits and pitfalls of implementing this technology.