Implementation and Feasibility of a Real‐Life Virtual Reality System in Obstetrical Education for Medical Students: A Questionnaire‐Based Study

OBJECTIVE: Clinical observation of childbirth is essential in obstetric education; however, opportunities for medical students are increasingly limited due to declining birth rates and the unpredictable timing of delivery. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced in-person learning, highlighting the need for alternative educational approaches. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive learning opportunities. We developed a 360° real-life VR simulation of vaginal delivery and evaluated its educational utility and student satisfaction. METHODS: VR content was created using omnidirectional and high-definition cameras installed in the delivery and ultrasound rooms at Tottori University Hospital. Students viewed the content using a projection-based VR system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment; CAVE) and head-mounted displays (HMD). Between February 2023 and April 2025, 220 medical students participating in a clinical clerkship observed childbirth and ultrasonography through VR and completed post-session questionnaires. Valid response numbers varied by questionnaire item because some items were added during the study period. RESULTS: Overall student satisfaction with the VR experience was high across content configurations. Scene-specific satisfaction varied, with relatively lower ratings for ultrasonography. After the VR session, the proportion of students expressing a willingness to observe actual childbirth was 94.2%. Students frequently cited the realism of the VR experience and suggested improvements to explanatory content and audiovisual quality. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is one of the few studies to examine the implementation of 360° "real-life" VR childbirth education for medical students. Real-life VR may support learner engagement and perceived educational value in obstetric training.