Virtual Reality Simulation of Airway Management Post-Cleft Palate Surgery: A Model for Sustainable and Equitable Education

Background The effectiveness of virtual-reality (VR) simulation-based training in cleft surgery has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate learners' acceptance of VR simulation in airway management of a pediatric patient post-cleft palate repair. Methods This VR simulation was developed through collaboration between BioDigital and Smile Train. 26 medical students from a single institution completed 10 min of standardized VR training and 5 min of standardized discussion about airway management post-cleft palate repair. They spent 4-8 min in the VR simulation with guidance from a cleft surgery expert. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys evaluating confidence in using VR as an educational tool, understanding of airway management, and opinions on VR in surgical education. Satisfaction was evaluated using a modified Student Evaluation of Educational Quality questionnaire and scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to evaluate responses. Results There was a significant increase in respondents' confidence using VR as an educational tool and understanding of airway management post-cleft palate repair after the simulation (P < .001). Respondents' opinions on incorporating VR in surgical education started high and did not change significantly post-simulation. Participants were satisfied with VR-based simulation and reported it was stimulating (4.31 +/- 0.88), increased interest (3.77 +/- 1.21), enhanced learning (4.12 +/- 1.05), was clear (4.15 +/- 0.97), was effective in teaching (4.08 +/- 0.81), and would recommend the simulation (4.2 +/- 1.04). Conclusion VR-based simulation can significantly increase learners' confidence and skills in airway management post-cleft palate repair. Learners find VR to be effective and recommend its incorporation in surgical education.