Virtual patients, real learning: extended reality simulation for clinical menopause education

Objective: To develop and evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of an extended reality (XR) avatar-based menopause education simulation module for the clinical training of OB/GYN residents. Methods: This menopause education pilot recruited 57 OB/GYN residents from nine institutions via listservs and snowball sampling. Participants completed a menopause-focused XR avatar simulation module developed using Kern’s curriculum design framework and guided by APGO/CREOG objectives and national guidelines. Learners completed an 11-item preintervention and postintervention assessment measuring usability and satisfaction (Kirkpatrick Level 1: reaction outcomes) and knowledge and self-reported confidence (Level 2: learning outcomes). Descriptive statistics summarized additional outcomes, and paired t tests were used to evaluate changes in knowledge. We also conducted a brief descriptive review of voluntary free-text comments. Results: From preintervention to postintervention, mean knowledge scores improved from 79.8% to 82.8% ( P =0.028). Participants reported improved preparedness and confidence across multiple domains: 59% improvement in overall readiness to manage menopause, 50% in comfort managing hormone therapy, and 39% in managing nonhormone therapy. No learners reported feeling “not at all prepared” postintervention. Most rated the module as effective (63%) and more engaging than lectures (60%); 96% would recommend it. Narrative feedback endorsed the module as valuable while suggesting improvements in interactivity, content depth, and avatar responsiveness. Conclusions: The XR simulation module demonstrated acceptability and effectiveness in enhancing clinical menopause training. Results support its potential as a scalable educational tool to address gaps in clinical menopause education.