Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Teaching Program for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Nuclear Medicine Education

In nuclear medicine, simulation-based instruction offers a safer alternative to traditional training, yet no studies have specifically applied virtual reality (VR) to clinical education and training within nuclear medicine departments. This study aimed to investigate whether a VR-based teaching module enhances students’ perceived understanding of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) procedures and overall learning satisfaction. Methods: Between July and December 2023, we enrolled a group of 19 internship students, who were asked to complete a survey on their learning expectations regarding MPI. Survey analysis revealed that 73.7% of students were unfamiliar with the MPI procedure and 57.9% indicated that they required over 2 h of learning and hands-on practice to achieve proficiency. To address these needs, the research team produced a 10-min simulation video, covering learning objectives, training duration, evaluation criteria, patient education, procedural steps, and key safety considerations. Using the survey results, we designed a teaching video to capture realistic clinical scenes that involved MPIs. After students completed the simulation-based module, they viewed the teaching video and completed a satisfaction survey to evaluate the effectiveness of our teaching. Results: All students agreed that the video length was appropriate, the quiz questions facilitated understanding, and the interactive design supported understanding. Furthermore, 89.5% of students found the contents clear and easy to understand, with an overall mean satisfaction score of 8.95 (of 10 possible points). Conclusion: The VR teaching program for MPI was successful and serves as an effective preparatory resource for students completing nuclear medicine internships.