The adoption of virtual reality technologies for training healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background: The current digital transformation has resulted in a greater emphasis on the training of healthcare professionals. Therefore, adoption of virtual and augmented reality technologies in South African hospitals is hindered by the lack of service delivery by healthcare professionals.

Aim: The study aims to examine the applications of virtual and augmented reality in healthcare training for application, efficacy for healthcare professionals.

Setting: South African hospitals.

Methods: This study presents a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework that evaluates the efficacy of virtual and augmented reality training in enhancing the abilities of healthcare professionals. A search was performed via the Scopus and Google Scholar databases, covering the period from 2019 to 2024.

Results: Initial studies suggest that the healthcare sector has a limited understanding of the concepts of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Furthermore, virtual and augmented reality technologies employ more sophisticated techniques than physical training for comprehension by creating a simulated environment.

Conclusion: The research article indicates that training through patient simulation is an effective method for educating healthcare professionals prior to healthcare professionals’ clinical practice. Healthcare professionals are allowed to cultivate vital abilities and engage in practice sessions without the potential of inflicting harm on actual patients. The application of human practice can be achieved in either a clinical setting or a simulation laboratory.

Contribution: This study significantly contributes to the healthcare sector by examining the adoption of virtual and augmented reality.