Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Training on Oral Healthcare for Disabled Elderly Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(1) Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology is a widely used training tool in medical education. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training of oral hygiene students on providing oral healthcare to disabled elderly persons. (2) Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. In 2021, oral hygiene students were randomly assigned to a VR experimental group (EG; n = 11) and a control group (CG; n = 12). The EG received two-hour, thrice-repeated VR-based training interventions at 2-week, 4-week, and 6-week follow-ups. The CG received no VR-based interventions. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire before and immediately after each intervention. We performed generalized estimating equations to compare the responses. (3) Results: The EG exhibited a more significant improvement in oral care-related knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intention at the 6-week follow-up than the CG. The students' intention to assist the elderly in using interdental brushes (β = 0.91), with soft tissue cleaning (β = 0.53), and with oral desensitization (β = 0.53), and to have regular dental visits (β = 0.61) improved significantly at the 6-week follow-up. (4) Conclusions: VR training positively affected students’ knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intentions on providing oral healthcare to disabled elderly persons.

A scoping review to assess the effects of virtual reality in medical education and clinical care

“…The majority of studies used virtual scenarios to give VR training by simulating the actual tasks or workflow processes. 6 , 17 , 19 – 21 , 23 , 37 Three studies incorporated pre-recorded videos for training purposes. 22 , 37 , 38 Two studies used experiential learning to help medical professionals understand the difficulties that patients faced, such as language barriers, cultural barriers, financial limits, or the impact of the disease.…”

“…The majority of studies for clinical care were primarily focused on providing patients with virtual environments in which they were required to execute physical or mental tasks and activities. 6 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 33 – 35 , 39 Four studies explored virtual nature experiences as relaxation or distraction therapies for stress and pain management. 16 , 26 , 40 Four studies employed VR-based games as rehabilitation interventions (motor and cognitive functions).…”

“…Given the lack of supervision and ideal practice situations, medical and healthcare trainees had few opportunities to practice vocational skills during their clinical rotations. 6 At that time, the digital learning/e-learning solutions, such as VR, mobile learning, and digital skills trainers appeared to be the best solution in transforming face-to-face teaching to the digital education modalities. 7 Similarly, in the clinical care settings, the risk of contamination and constrained access to healthcare resources made it difficult to provide patient care, such as hospitalizations and emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“… 13 Furthermore, VR deployment enables unbiased and documented evaluations of user experience. 17 VR-based education has been encouraging and beneficial for building confidence in abilities, 17 – 20 self-efficacy, 6 , 21 and knowledge and skill development. 6 , 17 , 19 , 21 – 23 Moreover, VR provides a variety of other educational opportunities, including the development of nontechnical competencies, such as awareness and understanding, which are essential elements in developing empathy.…”

“… 17 VR-based education has been encouraging and beneficial for building confidence in abilities, 17 – 20 self-efficacy, 6 , 21 and knowledge and skill development. 6 , 17 , 19 , 21 – 23 Moreover, VR provides a variety of other educational opportunities, including the development of nontechnical competencies, such as awareness and understanding, which are essential elements in developing empathy. 24 Due to the increasing demand for distance learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of VR in healthcare education has never been more prevalent than now.…”