Cinematic virtual reality to improve geriatric care training for osteopathic medical students.

Enhancing Osteopathic Medical Education Through Cinematic Virtual Reality

NA · Ohio University · NCT07542834

This project will test whether cinematic virtual reality training helps osteopathic medical students learn geriatric care better than traditional lectures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio University (other)
Locations1 site (Athens, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT07542834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, two-arm comparison of cinematic virtual reality versus traditional didactic lectures among Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine students. Eligible, English-speaking medical students enrolled in the 2025–2026 academic year will be randomly assigned to immersive VR scenarios that simulate complex geriatric patients and osteopathic management or to standard lecture-based instruction. Investigators will measure performance using a standardized patient clinical skills assessment and gather participant feedback on the training experience. The aim is to see if cinematic VR better prepares students for residency and improves their ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care for older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are English-speaking osteopathic medical students enrolled at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine for the 2025–2026 academic year who are age 18 or older.

Not a fit: Non-medical learners, students from other institutions, practicing clinicians, or those unable to attend in person are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific training program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could better prepare new physicians to provide compassionate, high-quality care to older adults and potentially reduce care errors and adverse outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research suggests cinematic virtual reality can increase empathy, improve attitudes toward chronic disease, and reduce stigma toward disability, but direct randomized comparisons with traditional lectures for geriatric training are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: able to read and speak English, are age 18 years and older, and are a medical student enrolled at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine enrolled in the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Exclusion Criteria: unable to read and speak English, 17 years or younger, and are not a medical student enrolled at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine enrolled in the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Where this trial is running

Athens, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, Geriatric Syndromes, Disability Hearing, Disability Physical, Urinary Tract Infection, Delirium Confusional State, virtual reality, type 2 diabetes, geriatric syndromes, disability, elder abuse and neglect

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.