Background This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based interprofessional education (IPE) program for medical and nursing students. The program was designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and pra...
Background This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based interprofessional education (IPE) program for medical and nursing students. The program was designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and practical skills in simulated severe trauma scenarios that are difficult to experience in traditional educational settings. Methods A seven-hour IPE program was developed, incorporating a lecture on severe trauma, VR-based practice, and interprofessional simulation exercises. The program was piloted on February 23, 2024, at Ewha Medical Academy, Ewha Seoul Hospital, with five participants (two fourth-year medical students and three fourth-year nursing students). Program effectiveness was assessed through satisfaction surveys, pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and focus group interviews. Results Survey results indicated high levels of satisfaction, particularly regarding willingness to participate again and recommend the program to others. Post-intervention assessments demonstrated improvements in self-efficacy and attitudes toward interprofessional learning compared to baseline measures. Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions identified eight themes and 30 subthemes related to participants' experiences. Conclusions The findings suggest that VR-based simulations effectively replicate severe trauma scenarios and serve as a valuable educational tool for interprofessional training. The program facilitated improved communication and collaboration between medical and nursing students. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings and optimize the program for broader implementation.