2024 Volume 8 Article ID: 2024-022
Meijo University introduced SimMan3G exercises that utilize humanoid simulators in the “Pharmacotherapy Management” integrated curriculum. This is intended to facilitate learning about pharmacotherapy in situations where gaining sufficient practical experience for instance, during sudden changes in a patient’s condition or when the learner is unable to undergo extensive hands-on clinical training is difficult. This curriculum is offered in the first semester of the fourth year. Moreover, the authors created an Emergency Response Simulation System, known as the Virtual Human, that utilizes virtual reality (VR) technology, and that has been utilized for VR exercises. To further identify specific areas for improvement in the VR exercises, we conducted a survey using the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) Motivation Model. We compared the survey results regarding the VR exercises with those of the SimMan3G exercises that were already in place; both covered the same content. Consequently, the VR exercises were found to demonstrate a certain level of learning effectiveness. However, certain indications suggested a need for innovations and improvements to further enhance the learning outcomes. SimMan3G simulations and VR exercises have been introduced with the primary goal of providing students with practical experience in pharmacotherapy particularly in situations in real clinical settings that are challenging to face because of internship limitations or emergencies involving sudden changes in a patient’s condition.
