Dr Joanne Rodda, Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at KMMS, along with Professor Sukhi Shergill, Director of Research at KMMS, and colleagues at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) have recently published their paper ‘Virtual and Augmented Reality in Undergraduate Medical Education in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review’.
Dr Joanne Rodda, as KMMS Lead for Mental Health has developed a curriculum to equip our medical students to provide the best possible support for those experiencing mental illness in any clinical setting. The use of interactive technology through virtual and augmented reality simulation is an emerging pedagogical strategy which could be helpful in integrating theoretical knowledge with skills necessary for clinical practice. This systematic review explores the current evidence for using this technology to support psychiatry education.
Dr Rodda explains,
“Our newly published systematic review in The Clinical Teacher explores how virtual and augmented reality simulation can enhance undergraduate psychiatry education, making complex clinical scenarios more immersive, accessible, and engaging”.
“Using virtual reality to simulate patient interviews gives medical students the chance to practice key clinical skills in a range of different mental health conditions — even those which they do not encounter during their placements — helping to ensure more consistent, well-rounded training for future doctors.
This is part of our wider work at KMMS to build innovative, inclusive, and adaptable approaches to teaching in psychiatry. It was a real pleasure to work with KMPT resident doctors on this project – they’re not only outstanding clinicians but also key to the future of psychiatry education.”