The Role of Learning Based on Virtual Patient Simulation in Surgical Training: A Survey at Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Virtual patient simulation (VPS) as a computer interactive simulation has many applications in the field of medical education. This study aimed to investigate medical learners’ views regarding the role of learning based on these types of technologies in surgical training.

In this descriptive-analytical study, the convenience sampling method was used through which 100 interns and residents from Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data after confirming its validity and reliability. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

According to the respondents, the greatest impact of VPS can be in creating effective learning and facilitating knowledge acquisition. Among the items examined, the highest mean score was related to the effectiveness of VPS in gaining clinical experience in rare surgeries and lack of available clinical situations (4.27) and the lowest was obtained for the effect of VPS on reducing human error and minimizing it in the patient’s bedside (3.48). VPS-based training has been given priority in cardiovascular and neurological surgeries than in other surgeries. There was also more emphasis on learning rather than evaluation with this technology.

Considering the positive attitude of the respondents towards the role of technologies in improving education, it is recommended to develop and implement these types of educational assistance programs to facilitate the acquisition of basic surgical skills and techniques.