Using Virtual Reality to Teach Ultrasound-guided Lumbar Puncture: Making Medical Education Fun

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-9-2025

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been used to teach a variety of procedural skills in medical education. Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture (USG LP) shows promise to increase procedural success in adults and pediatric patients without increasing procedure duration. We explore engagement, enjoyment, and procedure performance of medical students learning this skill from a pre-recorded slideshow or VR lecture.

We recorded a slideshow lecture and a virtual reality lecture demonstrating background and technique for USG LPs. Medical Students watched these lectures and filled out a survey on their experience. They were then timed and graded on their performance of the procedure on a manikin.

Fifty-five medical students (27 slideshow, 28 VR) at two universities were involved in the study. Level of enjoyment was rated higher in the VR group (p = 0.0232) as well as perceived effectiveness of the lectures (p = 0.0265), level of entertainment (p = 0.0308), and level of fun (p = 0.0002). There was no statistically significant difference in simulated cerebrospinal (CSF) acquisition, rubric score, or procedure duration. VR participants reported more side effects and technology issues.

Virtual reality is an enjoyable and effective training modality in this setting, though there is a learning curve to understand and troubleshoot technological issues that may arise. Users may experience known side-effects (dizziness, headache, eye pain, nausea), but these are rarely severe.

Comments

2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1716

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