https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5947-409X
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Abstract
The World Wide Web and the advancement of computer technology in the 1960s and 1990s respectively set the ground for a substantial and simultaneous change in many facets of our life, including medicine, health care, and medical education. The traditional didactic approach has shifted towards more dynamic and interactive methods, leveraging technologies such as simulation tools, virtual reality, and online platforms. At the forefront is the remarkable evolution that has revolutionized how medical knowledge is accessed, disseminated, and integrated into pedagogical practices. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to rapid and large-scale adoption of e-learning and digital resources in medical education because of widespread lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the closure of medical schools and healthcare training programs. This review paper examines the evolution of medical education from the Flexnerian era to the modern digital age, closely examining the influence of the evolving WWW and its shift from Education 1.0 to Education 4.0. This evolution has been further accentuated by the transition from the static landscapes of Web 2D to the immersive realms of Web 3D, especially considering the growing notion of the metaverse. The application of the metaverse is an interconnected, virtual shared space that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) to create a fertile ground for simulation-based training, collaborative learning, and experiential skill acquisition for competency development. This review includes the multifaceted applications of the metaverse in medical education, outlining both its benefits and challenges. Through insightful case studies and examples, it highlights the innovative potential of the metaverse as a platform for immersive learning experiences. Moreover, the review addresses the role of emerging technologies in shaping the post-pandemic future of medical education, ultimately culminating in a series of recommendations tailored for medical institutions aiming to successfully capitalize on revolutionary changes.
KEY MESSAGES
The evolution of medical education from the Flexnerian era to the digital age provides valuable insight into how medical education has evolved and adapted to changing social needs, technological advancements, and educational paradigm shifts (Education 1.0, Education 2.0, Education 3.0, Education 4.0).
The transition from static web to metaverse applications (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality) has brought about transformative changes in medical education merging physical and virtual reality, where users interact in real-time to have immersive and interactive learning experiences.
Metaverse platforms enable external collaboration among medical learners, faculty educators, and other healthcare professionals from various parts of the world without the limitations of physical distance allowing them to exchange insights, discuss cases, and learn from diverse perspectives, including opportunities for collaborative research.
Developing strategic implementation plans can help ensure that institutions and faculty educators can harness the benefits of emerging technologies while proactively addressing potential challenges, ensuring a well-rounded and effective learning experience for future medical professionals.
Authors contributions
KOL played a pivotal role in the conception and design of this review paper. All authors were actively involved in drafting and revising the manuscript, and they collectively approved the final version for submission. We all conducted extensive literature searches, gathered relevant research articles, and synthesized the information to form the core content of the review. VP contributed to providing comprehensive insights into the main context of the overall structure and coherence of the paper, ensuring the logical flow of ideas and a cohesive presentation. SSF focused on analyzing case studies and practical applications, enhancing the paper’s real-world relevance. The first author’s leadership in the design of this paper and drafting, coupled with the valuable contributions of co-authors, led to the production of a comprehensive and informative review on the evolution of medical education from the static Web to the metaverse.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).