Immersive 360-Degree Video for Virtual Reality Training

(IMProVe Trial)

Overseen By Vikas Patel, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Disqualifiers: Familiarity with Sunnybrook, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

44 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial investigates whether immersive 360-degree virtual reality videos help medical students navigate hospitals more effectively than regular 2D videos. Medical students will use either virtual reality or traditional video instructions to locate new areas in a hospital. Researchers will track their speed and whether they get lost. The goal is to determine if virtual reality reduces anxiety and confusion in unfamiliar hospital settings. The trial seeks first and second-year medical students from the University of Toronto who have not previously visited Sunnybrook Hospital. As an unphased study, it offers students the opportunity to explore innovative learning methods that could enhance their hospital navigation skills.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that immersive 360-degree video is safe for training medical students?

Research shows that 360-degree virtual reality (VR) videos are generally easy for people to use. Studies have examined VR in various fields, such as safety training and education, and found it to be a valuable tool. For instance, one study on using VR to teach water-safety skills to children found no major safety issues. Another study on VR training for older adults showed it was well-received.

Although these studies do not specifically involve medical students, the overall findings suggest that VR is safe for educational purposes. No major reports of negative side effects have emerged from using immersive 360-degree videos. This indicates it could be a safe method for teaching medical students how to navigate hospital settings. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Immersive 360-Degree Video because it offers a cutting-edge approach to virtual reality training by fully immersing users in a 3D environment. Unlike traditional 2-D video training, which can feel flat and less engaging, this method provides a more interactive and realistic experience, potentially enhancing learning and retention. The immersive nature of this technology could revolutionize training methods across various fields by making them more effective and engaging.

What evidence suggests that immersive 360-degree video is effective for teaching medical students navigation?

This trial will compare the effectiveness of immersive 360-degree virtual reality (VR) videos with traditional 2D videos. Studies have shown that 360-degree VR videos can significantly enhance learning compared to regular 2D videos. Research indicates that these videos increase attention, improve skills, and boost confidence in their use. In one study, doctors who learned with 360-degree VR videos performed much better in knot-tying skills than those who used other methods. These videos also prove effective in nursing education, helping students gain knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes. The immersive nature of these videos keeps students more focused and engaged, which is particularly beneficial when learning to navigate new environments. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ahtsham U Niazi, FRCPC

Principal Investigator

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for pre-clerkship medical students from the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine. It aims to help those who are new to hospital environments and may experience anxiety or get lost while navigating different sites.

Inclusion Criteria

Pre-clerkship (year 1 and 2) medical students from the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Orientation and Instruction

Participants receive either 360-degree video IVR or 2D video instruction on navigating a hospital route

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Navigation Task

Participants complete a navigation task from the anesthesia lounge to the fracture clinic, with performance timed and errors recorded

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete questionnaires assessing confidence, anxiety, and satisfaction with the instruction method

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Immersive 360 (3D) video

Trial Overview

The study compares immersive 360-degree virtual reality videos with standard 2D videos as tools for teaching spatial orientation in hospitals. The effectiveness will be measured by how quickly and accurately students can find their way to new locations.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group A Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR)

Group II: Group B Active Control 2 Interventions

Traditional 2-D Video

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

693

Recruited

1,569,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 32 medical students, those using 360° virtual reality (VR) for learning history taking and physical examination skills achieved higher Milestone levels compared to those using 2D video, indicating better learning outcomes.

While the 360° VR group reported a more engaging experience, it also caused mild dizziness, suggesting that while VR can enhance learning, it may also introduce some discomfort for users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using a 360° Virtual Reality or 2D Video to Learn History Taking and Physical Examination Skills for Undergraduate Medical Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Chao, YP., Chuang, HH., Hsin, LJ., et al.[2022]

A study involving 40 foundation year doctors found that those taught knot tying skills using 360-degree virtual reality (VR) video scored significantly higher than those taught with conventional 2D video, indicating that VR can enhance learning outcomes in surgical education.

The effectiveness of VR teaching persisted even when combined with traditional face-to-face instruction, suggesting that VR can be a valuable tool in surgical training without increasing the time needed to learn the skill.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

360° virtual reality video for the acquisition of knot tying skills: A randomised controlled trial. Yoganathan, S., Finch, DA., Parkin, E., et al.[2018]

A systematic review of 64 articles indicates that 360° videos in virtual reality can enhance learning by improving performance, motivation, and knowledge retention across various educational topics.

While the technological benefits of 360° videos are not widely reported, many studies highlight positive effects on engagement, presence, and emotional responses, suggesting a strong potential for immersive learning experiences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Potential of 360° Virtual Reality Videos and Real VR for Education-A Literature Review. Pirker, J., Dengel, A.[2021]

The systematic review of 12 studies found that 360-degree videos, primarily used in mental health nursing education, effectively enhance students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, making them a valuable educational tool.

Despite their benefits, the use of 360-degree videos can lead to motion sickness for some users, which is a notable challenge that needs to be addressed in nursing education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Come and see through my eyes: A systematic review of 360-degree video technology in nursing education. Baysan, A., Çonoğlu, G., Özkütük, N., et al.[2023]

In a study with 110 participants, using textual and visual cues in immersive 360-degree videos significantly improved learning outcomes and increased focus on the areas with cues.

The research revealed that learners paid much more attention to cues within their initial field of view, and adding visual cues helped direct attention to textual information outside this area, promoting a more balanced attention distribution.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impacts of Cues on Learning and Attention in Immersive 360-Degree Video: An Eye-Tracking Study. Liu, R., Xu, X., Yang, H., et al.[2023]

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