From static web to metaverse: reinventing medical education in the post-pandemic era

Abstract

The World Wide Web and the advancement of computer technology in the 1960s and 1990s respectively set the ground for a substantial and simultaneous change in many facets of our life, including medicine, health care, and medical education. The traditional didactic approach has shifted towards more dynamic and interactive methods, leveraging technologies such as simulation tools, virtual reality, and online platforms. At the forefront is the remarkable evolution that has revolutionized how medical knowledge is accessed, disseminated, and integrated into pedagogical practices. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to rapid and large-scale adoption of e-learning and digital resources in medical education because of widespread lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the closure of medical schools and healthcare training programs. This review paper examines the evolution of medical education from the Flexnerian era to the modern digital age, closely examining the influence of the evolving WWW and its shift from Education 1.0 to Education 4.0. This evolution has been further accentuated by the transition from the static landscapes of Web 2D to the immersive realms of Web 3D, especially considering the growing notion of the metaverse. The application of the metaverse is an interconnected, virtual shared space that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) to create a fertile ground for simulation-based training, collaborative learning, and experiential skill acquisition for competency development. This review includes the multifaceted applications of the metaverse in medical education, outlining both its benefits and challenges. Through insightful case studies and examples, it highlights the innovative potential of the metaverse as a platform for immersive learning experiences. Moreover, the review addresses the role of emerging technologies in shaping the post-pandemic future of medical education, ultimately culminating in a series of recommendations tailored for medical institutions aiming to successfully capitalize on revolutionary changes.

Metaverse-powered basic sciences medical education: bridging the gaps for lower middle-income countries

“…This can help increase acceptability thus minimizing delayed adoption attributable to inertia of traditional methods of pedagogy. Increased acceptability will help level the learning curve to some extent [ 43 ]. This could lead to partnerships and knowledge exchange between medical institutions in LMICs and those in higher-income countries in the development and implementation of metaverse-based medical education programs.…”

Residency training programs in anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine: from curriculum to practice

“…Simulation programs positively impact non-technical and behavioral issues, influencing the learning process in both EM and anesthesiology ( 31 , 44 – 46 ). Moreover, highly immersive and interactive educational solutions are emerging, such as 360-degree video training, telementoring and metaverse approaches ( 36 , 38 , 47 – 50 ).…”

The application of metaverse in occupational health

“…On the one hand, occupational health management personnel must master cutting-edge technological knowledge such as VR and AI. On the other hand, technical personnel also need to understand occupational health-related work processes and management norms ( 40 ). The cultivation and introduction of high-quality, interdisciplinary personnel are the foundation for the practical application of metaverse technology.…”