Peer-led teaching with adjunctive virtual reality leads to increased confidence and engagement in surgical education amongst medical students

The aims of this study are to (1) evaluate the efficacy of peer-led teaching in post-surgical complications; (2) evaluate the role of virtual reality (VR) in peer-led teaching; and (3) assess the impact of performance-affecting factors (core knowledge coverage, quality of teaching, confidence in peer tutors, and engagement) in peer-led teaching with VR.

30 medical students in clinical years of a 6-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) program participated in a peer-led tutorial and VR scenario on common post-surgical complications. Each tutorial consisted of two tutors and up to eight participants. Participants then answered a 13-item questionnaire using 5-point Likert scales.

28 (93%) participants showed marked improvement or remained at the previous ≥ 4 Likert rating for self-perceived experience and expertise after peer-led teaching (p < 0.05); and 30 (100%) after the VR scenario (p < 0.05). Increased confidence in peer tutors, quality of teaching and engagement correlated with improved confidence in VR and real-life post-surgical complications (p < 0.05). 24 (80%) participants felt performance pressure was diminished with VR simulation.

The use of peer-led teaching with VR scenarios increases medical student engagement in learning and confidence in dealing with post-surgical complications. Further long-term research with larger cohorts is recommended.