The role of virtual reality (VR) with haptic feedback in enhancing physical examination skills of health care students – A systematic review protocol

Background: Teaching complex physical examination skills in health care is currently challenging. Virtual reality (VR) with haptic feedback may help address the challenge. However, the current usage and/or role of VR with haptic feedback in improving physical examination skills of health care students is unclear. Methods: The following electronic databases will be searched from Jan 2010 to December 2021: PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers will review the articles retrieved from the databases to assess for eligibility. Studies of any design (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) that investigated the use of VR with haptic feedback in health care education will be included in the review. Primary outcomes will include any quantifiable measures and/or qualitative themes. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used to appraise the quality of included studies. The overall quality of the evidence (high, moderate, low and very low) of quantitative studies and/or qualitative studies will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and/or GRADE CERQual tools. Discussion: As health care settings (including teaching and clinical practice) are becoming complex, the use of technology such as VR may play a crucial role in facilitating physical examination procedures undertaken by health care professionals. This review will provide a timely overview of the usage of VR with haptic feedback in health care education.