Exploring the Use of Metaverse in Future Medical Education: Navigating Adoption and Challenges (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> The metaverse driven by immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain has begun to reshape medical education. By creating highly interactive and personalized learning environments, the metaverse offers promising opportunities to enhance experiential learning, foster collaboration, and overcome geographic and resource barriers. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This systematic review aimed to assess the current adoption and challenges of metaverse technologies in medical education. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> Following PRISMA guidelines, six major databases were searched in November 2024 and updated in June 2025. Eligible studies were English-language publications from 2021 to 2025 investigating metaverse applications in medical and clinical education. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies, articles under two pages, book chapters and studies unrelated to medical education. After screening and quality assessment, 41 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Evidence shows that the metaverse enhances experiential learning via simulated clinical environments, remote virtual dissections, AI-driven diagnostics, and collaborative global training. It expands accessibility, particularly for learners in underserved areas, by reducing geographic and financial barriers. However, significant challenges remain: high costs, limited infrastructure, privacy and data security concerns, digital literacy gaps, and resistance to adoption; especially in low and middle-income countries. Despite its promise, the metaverse cannot fully replace traditional hands-on clinical practice. Its successful integration into curricula depends on rigorous, evidence-based strategies and supportive policy frameworks. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> The adoption of metaverse technologies represents a transformative shift in medical education. These simulations may enrich clinical skill training, encourage global collaboration, and support learner autonomy, mental well-being, and lifelong learning; particularly for students in remote or underserved areas. However, substantial challenges must be addressed, including privacy concerns, financial constraints, technological disparities, and ethical considerations. Realizing this potential requires evidence-based integration, ethical safeguards, inclusive strategies, and supportive policies that preserve the humanistic core of healthcare. </sec> <sec> <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> N/A </sec>

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