The effects of virtual reality‐based bronchoscopy simulator on learning outcomes of medical trainees: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Conventional medical training routes of bronchoscopy may decrease patients' comfort and increase procedure‐related morbidity. Virtual reality (VR)‐based bronchoscopy is a beneficial and safe solution for teaching trainees. The aim of this systematic review was to study the effectiveness of VR‐based bronchoscopy simulators on the learning outcomes of medical trainees. METHODS: Well‐known sources (i.e., Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Medline via PubMed) were systematically searched using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines on December, 2021. Peer‐reviewed English papers that used VR‐based simulation for bronchoscopy training were included. The articles that were studying other technologies, or those that were unrelated to the topic, were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for quasi‐experimental studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Out of 343 studies, 8 of them met our inclusion criteria. An appropriate control group and statistical analysis were the most common and unavoidable sources of bias in included non‐RCTs, and lack of blinding in participants was the most common source of bias in RCTs. The included studies evaluated learning outcomes regarding dexterity (N = 5), speed (N = 3), the accuracy of procedures (N = 1), and the need for verbal assistance (N = 1). Based on the results, 100% (5/5) and 66% (2/3) of studies showed that the use of VR‐based simulation on the learning outcomes of medical trainees led to improvement in manual ability (i.e., dexterity) and swiftness of execution (i.e., speed in performance), respectively. Additionally, improving the accuracy of subjects' performance, and reducing the need for verbal guidance and physical assistance was reported in studies that evaluated these variables. CONCLUSION: VR bronchoscopy simulator as a training method for teaching medical trainees, especially for novices has the potential to improve medical trainees' performance and reduce complications. Further studies are needed to evaluate the positive effects of VR‐based simulation on the learning outcomes of medical trainees.