The Impact of Virtual Patient Simulation on Sixth-Year Medical Student Satisfaction in Neurosurgical Education at Phrapokklao Medical Education Center
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Training in neurosurgery requires extensive practice. Traditional methods have limitations in terms of accessibility and repetition. The use of virtual patient simulation (VPS), therefore, represents a promising alternative that enables students to practice complex procedures in a safe and controlled environment.
OBJECTIVES: To examine the opinions, suggestions, and the impact of virtual patient simulation on medical students’ satisfaction in neurosurgery education.
METHODS: The quantitative component employed t-test and Pearson correlation statistics, while the qualitative component utilized open-ended questions with data analyzed through thematic analysis. The sample consisted of 23 medical students who had used virtual patient simulation.
RESULTS: The one-sample t-test revealed that the mean satisfaction score with the use of VPS (Mean Difference=1.386, SD=0.5) was statistically significantly higher than the moderate criterion baseline of 3 points (t(22) = 12.934, p<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant, strong positive correlation between the overall experience of using VPS and satisfaction with the curriculum (r=0.643, p=0.001). Qualitative findings indicated that VPS effectively simulates patient dynamics and clinical environments, allowing learners to develop critical decision-making and patient management skills in near-realistic scenarios. However, system complexity and technical stability were identified as notable constraints.
CONCLUSIONS: Virtual Patient Simulation demonstrates high potential to enhance the quality of neurosurgery education, particularly for rare or complex clinical situations. To maximize the utility of this technology, future implementation should focus on improving system performance and stability, developing a more user-friendly interface, providing Thai language support, and considering increased user licensing and the development of a self-study version for out-of-hours practice, along with appropriate curriculum integration. This will contribute to the continued development of an effective neurosurgical education system.
Thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20251212014
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