Marco Paglialonga

Integration of Virtual Reality and Narrative Medicine: Innovative and Pedagogical Paths in Medical Education

Marco Paglialonga

University of Foggia

marco.paglialong@unifg.it

Girolamo Spagnoletti

Cristiana Simonetti

This paper explores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool in medical education, integrating it with Narrative Medicine. Narrative Medicine emphasizes a patient-centered approach, leveraging storytelling to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic relationships. However, traditional Narrative Medicine faces challenges such as limited time, cultural and linguistic barriers, and difficulties in active listening (Riley, 2009; Brody, 2011). VR emerges as a complementary solution to these limitations, offering immersive simulations that replicate complex clinical experiences and enhance healthcare professionals’ empathy and engagement (Riva et al., 2020). Research demonstrates that VR fosters greater empathy among healthcare practitioners, enabling them to better understand patients’ lived experiences (Morel et al., 2021). This is particularly relevant in managing chronic illnesses and neurological disorders, where addressing the emotional and social dimensions of illness is essential (Ioannou et al., 2020). Furthermore, VR enhances relational skills in medical students, laying the groundwork for a more human and personalized approach to care (Triberti et al., 2020). Educational frameworks like Kolb’s experiential learning cycle (1984) and Lave and Wenger’s situated learning theory (1991) support VR’s application in medical training. These approaches emphasize learning in realistic contexts, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical experiences (Johnsen et al., 2007). VR also overcomes cultural and linguistic barriers by creating personalized environments that reflect diverse patient experiences (Khatibi, 2023). In oncology, VR has proven effective in preoperative planning and anxiety management (Pareek et al., 2018). Beyond technical skills, VR enriches the clinical narrative by enabling practitioners to delve into patients' emotional and cultural experiences, thereby improving communication and care quality. Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and respond to others’ feelings (Davis, 1983), is central to this transformative process. In conclusion, integrating VR with Narrative Medicine and Medical Humanities offers new opportunities for healthcare education. This combined approach not only enhances empathy and engagement but also fosters deeper connections between patients and practitioners. By transforming care into a more educational and human-centered process, VR complements traditional methods, paving the way for a more inclusive and impactful healthcare experience (Riva, 2005; Maimone, 2018).

BIOGRAPHY

Marco Paglialonga is a dedicated healthcare professional and researcher specializing in Nursing Sciences, Medical Humanities, and Health and Social Pedagogy. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Medical Humanities and Welfare Policies at the University of Foggia, with a research focus on the integration of narrative approaches and technological innovation in healthcare education and patient-centered care. Holding a Master’s degree in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Marco has cultivated expertise in healthcare pedagogy, organizational management, and the humanization of care. His professional journey encompasses extensive clinical experience and a strong academic portfolio. He has served as a lecturer and trainer, developing and delivering courses on Basic Life Support (BLS), emergency response, and healthcare ethics, with a particular emphasis on fostering empathetic and relational skills in healthcare professionals. Marco’s scholarly contributions include research on virtual reality in medical education, the usability of mobile health apps for BLS, and strategies to improve doctor-patient communication. His studies also explore the pedagogical foundations of lifelong learning in the healthcare profession, bridging technological innovation with the ethical and social dimensions of caregiving. Passionate about advancing healthcare education, Marco advocates for a holistic, patient-centered approach that aligns scientific rigor with relational care, aiming to enrich healthcare systems through empathetic and competent practice.