Is there science in fiction? Exploring perceptions of a virtual reality electrocardiogram training system: a proposal (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Over the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has gained traction in healthcare skills training due to its ability to improve educational quality and efficiency. VR offers immersive simulations for practicing medical procedures safely, enabling repetition, immediate feedback and risk-free failure. However, despite its advantages, VR adoption in South Africa remains limited, with little information available on its implementation, benefits, and challenges in this context. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the aims of the study are to determine: the impact; relevance; perceived benefits; challenges; potential risks; perceived effectiveness; and lecturers’ perceptions and experiences of a novel VR simulator training system. METHODS A three-year longitudinal cohort study will recruit third-year medical students and staff involved in skills training. In the first year, the initial cohort (cohort 1) will be recruited. In the second year, a follow-up will be conducted with cohort 1, and a new group of third-year students (cohort 2) will be recruited as a comparator group. Both cohorts will be followed for two years. Data will be collected via questionnaires and focus group interviews. RESULTS To ensure a confidence level of 95% (5% margin of error), 222 students and 3 lecturers are required to participate in the study. To account for attrition and incomplete questionnaire submission, 312 students (i.e., 156 per cohort) and 4 staff members will be recruited for participation. Quantitative data will undergo descriptive analysis, while qualitative data will be analyzed thematically using a grounded theory approach, incorporating both inductive and deductive methods. Data collection will commence in January 2025 and will continue until December 2028. CONCLUSIONS This study will be the first in South Africa to investigate VR technology usage for electrocardiogram procedural skills training over a prolonged period of time. The results obtained from the data collected may be used in decision-making regarding the feasibility of VR for skills training both in a local- and global context. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable