ERIC Number: EJ1477269
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1648-3898
EISSN: EISSN-2538-7138
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Virtual Reality and Health Science Education: A Scientific Mapping with Implications for Public Health and Digital Therapeutics
Journal of Baltic Science Education, v24 n3 p413-433 2025
Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming health science education by enabling immersive, interactive learning environments. As global health challenges rise and digital tools proliferate, it is critical to map the evolution of VR's application in health science education, particularly its effects on health outcomes. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection from 2004-2024. We applied VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Excel to analyze publication trends, research collaborations, thematic developments, and keyword co-occurrence. From 4,369 articles analyzed, VR-related health education publications have grown exponentially, especially after 2020. The United States, England, and Canada led in publication volume and collaboration. Keyword clustering identified five major themes: surgical simulation, immersive patient education, digital health promotion, AI-enhanced learning, and telemedicine training. Recent trends reflect a shift from technical skills training toward AI integration and personalized VR systems. VR improves learner engagement, enhances long-term health literacy, and supports behavioral change. Its integration with AI and remote delivery models facilitates scalable interventions, bridging healthcare and health science education in underserved regions. Future research should assess VR's direct impact on clinical and public health outcomes, explore ethical and regulatory safeguards, and foster global equity in digital health science education.
Descriptors: Computer Uses in Education, Health Sciences, Health Education, Public Health, Therapy, Educational Technology, Bibliometrics, Publications, Journal Articles, Foreign Countries, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Simulation, Surgery, Patient Education, Health Promotion, Telecommunications, Educational Benefits
Scientia Socialis Ltd. 29 K. Donelaicio Street, LT-78115 Siauliai, Republic of Lithuania. e-mail: scientia@scientiasocialis.lt; e-mail: mail.jbse@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/jbse/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A