Abstract
Aim
Extended reality (XR) provides technologies that can create engaging and interactive learning resources easily updatable in line with the learning needs. This systematic review aimed to investigate the academic performance (AP), level satisfaction (LS), and acceptability (Ac) of XRs in university education students of medicine and health sciences.
Method
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews statement was applied.
Results
Nineteen experimental studies were included, which examined AP, 15 LS and 4 AC. No study was found that applies the Metaverse, 15 considered virtual reality (VR), 3 Augmented Reality (AR), 1 Mixed Reality (MR). Ten studies showed a statistically significant increase in AP in students who adopted XRs compared to traditional teaching methodologies. Six 5 studies showed a significant increase in LS after VR use. Two studies reported a high percentage of significant acceptability of XR use.
Conclusion
The review provides that Metaverse results still need to be implemented; VR was a valid tool to support the improvement of AP and LS of students; VR turns out to be more widespread than other XRs. There are several discrepancies in the studies that confirm the need to promote the understanding of VR simulation’s effects on the acquisition of skills.
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Data availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.
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Shima Gholamalishahi: performed literature search, article selection, analysis, and manuscript editing;Vanessa India Barletta: performed literature search, article selection, analysis; Maria Vittoria Manai: performed literature search, article selection, analysis; Federica Battisti: provided data clarifications and revision; Laura Centonze: article selection, construct of the themes, manuscript review;Giuseppe La Torre: concepts, design, the definition of intellectual content and revised the manuscript; Alice Mannocci: conceived of the study, supervised the project, assisted with analysis, manuscript writing and revised the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.
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Gholamalishahi, S., Barletta, V.I., Manai, M.V. et al. Impact of immersive realities and metaverse in the university training for health professions and medicine: a systematic review of preliminary evidence. J Public Health (Berl.) (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02268-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02268-1