Integrating virtual reality to enhance remote teaching of anatomy during unprecedented times

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a global paradigm shift in the teaching of human anatomy. Mostinstitutions successfully transitioned from traditional in-person teaching methods, to various distance-learning strategies. Since virtual reality (VR) offers immersive three-dimensional (3D) experiences, this study investigated students’ experiencesregarding the capacity of VR to support distance-learning of anatomy. Using the VR application, 3D Organon Virtual RealityAnatomy, anatomy instructors pre-recorded learning content as 360-degree videos with live voice-over and integrated itinto the teaching material of the MBBS first-year abdomen, pelvis, and perineum-structure and function course. A 19-item5-point Likert scale questionnaire, comprising of two major categories, “VR experience in anatomy lessons” and “VR inanatomy lessons vs. traditional cadaveric dissection” was disseminated. Post-evaluation analysis revealed a response rate of63.5%. Almost 70% of students agreed that VR was instrumental in solidifying their theoretical understanding and improvedspatial awareness with better retention of anatomical relationships. Approximately 50% wanted to continue using VR evenif instruction becomes onsite. Though 72% of participants agree that VR addressed the session learning objectives only 24%agree that it is similar or better than cadaveric dissection, thus preferring cadaveric dissection to VR. Only 12.1% agree thatVR is more beneficial to cadaveric dissection. Our exploration into the integration of VR technology in anatomy teachinghas revealed promising opportunities. While VR can augment traditional teaching methods in unprecedented times such aswar, floods or global pandemic, it should not replace hands-on cadaveric learning entirely, but rather complement existingapproaches.