Feasibility and initial clinical application of a digital health–enabled 3D VR education model to improve health literacy in thyroid surgery

Objectives: Effective physician-patient communication is essential for improving health literacy and achieving optimal surgical outcomes. However, patients often struggle to interpret conventional two-dimensional (2D) imaging during preoperative counseling for thyroid surgery. This study assessed the feasibility of a ray-traced three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) educational model to enhance patient health literacy and satisfaction. Methods: A patient-specific ray-traced 3D VR educational model was developed using deep learning-based multi-organ segmentation of CT scans and rendered on flat monitors commonly available in outpatient clinics. A structured two-round counseling protocol was conducted: in the first round, conventional 2D CT images were used, and in the second round, the 3D VR model was presented. After counseling, patients completed a survey assessing comprehension and satisfaction by comparing the 3D VR educational model with 2D CT images. Results: All patients reported improved understanding of their condition after viewing the 3D VR educational model. Most participants (88.9%) expressed high satisfaction and willingness to use the model in future consultations. Conclusions: Ray-traced 3D VR educational models are feasible for improving patient health literacy during preoperative counseling. This digital technology-based approach offers a practical and scalable tool to support more informed, meaningful discussions and enhance patient understanding.