Using immersive 360-degree video to help medical students navigate hospitals
The Efficacy of Immersive 360-degree Video in Improving Spatial Orientation Among Medical Students.
This study tests if using immersive 360-degree virtual reality videos can help medical students feel less anxious and find their way around hospitals better than regular videos.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05894005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of immersive 360-degree virtual reality (IVR) videos in teaching medical students how to navigate hospital environments compared to traditional 2-dimensional video instructions. Medical students will be tasked with finding new locations within the hospital after receiving instructions through either method. The goal is to determine if IVR can reduce anxiety and improve spatial orientation for students in unfamiliar settings. The study aims to leverage new technology to enhance medical education and training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pre-clerkship medical students in their first or second year at the University of Toronto.
Not a fit: Students who have prior experience with the hospital's layout or have visited for personal reasons may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve medical students' ability to navigate hospital environments, reducing anxiety and enhancing their educational experience.
How similar studies have performed: There is growing literature supporting the use of immersive virtual reality in medical education, indicating that similar approaches have shown promise.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pre-clerkship (year 1 and 2) medical students from the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Exclusion Criteria: * Experience visiting Sunnybrook for personal reasons or previous coursework, shadowing, research, or clinical rotations. Having a familiarity with the floor plan of the hospital.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ahtsham U Niazi, FRCPC — Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Study coordinator: Ahtsham U Niazi, FRCPC
- Email: ahtsham.niazi@sunnybrook.ca
- Phone: 647-339-0387
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.