Virtual Reality Training for Medical Students Learning Geriatric Care

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for medical students at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. It tests virtual reality training against lectures for learning older-adult care.

Age

18 years and older

Sex

All

Main reasons for not taking part

• Cannot read and speak English
• Not a medical student at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in the 2025-2026 academic year

The registry criteria, word for word

What the trial wants to find out

As the U.S. population ages, future physicians must be prepared to care for older adults with multiple health conditions and complex needs. This study will test whether cinematic virtual reality (VR)-an immersive, interactive learning tool-is more effective than traditional lectures in helping medical students learn about geriatric care. Students who complete the VR training will experience realistic patient scenarios that show what can go wrong in medical care and learn how to apply osteopathic principles to improve outcomes. Researchers will compare students' performance on a clinical skills assessment and explore their experiences with the VR training. The goal is to determine whether cinematic virtual reality can better prepare students for residency and improve their ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care for older adults.

The 2 groups in the trial

• Traditional didactic lecture armExisting treatment, for comparison

  Participants in this arm will receive a traditional lecture on geriatric medication that covers medication, mentation, mobility, what matters to older adults, nutrition and hydration, and the integration of osteopathic tenets into geriatric care.

  Treatment: Traditional Didactic Lecture

• Cinematic virtual reality training armTreatment being tested

  The participants randomly assigned to the cinematic virtual reality training will view 6 episodes about an older adult with multiple geriatric syndromes, chronic health conditions, disabilities, and significant social needs, who is also vulnerable to elder abuse and neglect. The content will cover medication, mentation, mobility, what matters most for older adults, nutrition and hydration, and osteopathic tenets.

  Treatment: Cinematic Virtual Reality Training