Immersive Medical Education: A Review of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Simulation for Building Cognitive and Technical Skills
摘要
Medical education is undergoing a transformative shift driven by technological innovations that enhance both cognitive and technical skill development. This paper examines the integration of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and simulation technologies in modern medical education systems. These immersive technologies address critical challenges in medical training, including limited access to clinical cases, ethical considerations regarding patient safety, and the need for standardized learning experiences. Through a comprehensive analysis of current implementations and emerging trends, this study explores how AR, VR, and simulation create engaging, safe, and effective learning environments for medical students and professionals. The research methodology involved a systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and arXiv using keywords such as “virtual reality,” “augmented reality,” “simulation-based learning,” “medical education,” “e-learning,” and “immersive learning.” The study analyzed technological applications and evaluated pedagogical outcomes across multiple medical disciplines. Findings indicate that AR, VR, and simulation technologies enhance knowledge retention by enabling immersive, interactive learning; accelerate practical skills acquisition through repeated, safe practice of clinical procedures; improve clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy; and support competency-based assessment by providing measurable performance metrics across diverse medical disciplines. The paper presents a framework for implementing intelligent medical education systems that integrate these technologies while addressing environmental factors through systematic analysis. Future directions include artificial intelligence integration, personalized learning pathways, and expanded accessibility to advanced medical training resources.