Authors: Tanja Birrenbach, MD, Raphael Stuber, MD, Conrad Eric Müller, MD, Paul-Martin Sutter, MD, Wolf E. Hautz, MD, MME, Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos, MD, Martin Müller, MD, MSc, Rafael Wespi, MD, Thomas Christian Sauter, MD, MME

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is the global benchmark for initial trauma care, yet inexperienced clinicians often struggle to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical execution. This prospective randomized controlled pilot study evaluated whether incorporating semi-automated, fully immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation into ATLS course preparation improves learning outcomes, confidence, and system usability. Fifty-six advanced medical students were assigned to either a VR-augmented intervention group using a SimX trauma scenario or a control group . Feasibility was high, with 96% of VR participants successfully stabilizing the patient. While objective pass rates and multiple-choice scores between groups showed no statistically significant differences, subjective measures revealed a dramatic boost in learner confidence regarding ATLS principles. Furthermore, participants reported high technology acceptance, strong usability, and minimal simulator sickness, demonstrating VR’s value as an effective preparatory tool.

The full research article can be found here.

University of Bern has used the SimX platform in its simulation training.