Abstract: Objective To evaluate the application of virtual reality technology in the teaching of otolaryngology anatomy for eight-year program medical students. Methods The subjects were 33 senior medical students enrolled in 2017 in Peking University. 16 students in the control group were trained with traditional teaching methods while 17 students in the experimental group were supplemented with virtual reality technology combined with traditional teaching. The teaching effect of two groups was evaluated by questionnaire survey, theoretical examination and skill test of otolaryngology. T test and chi-square test were used to compare the difference between two groups. Results 12 students from experimental group and 4 students from the control group are very interested in learning otolaryngology anatomy (P=0.032). Theoretical examination scores of experimental group(52.0±6.3) and control group(56.4±4.2) was statistically significant difference (P=0.027). There is no statistical difference in skill test scores between two groups[(28.0±1.1) vs.(28.4±0.6),P=0.213]. Total scores of experimental group(80.1±6.4) and control group (84.8±4.5) was statistically significant difference (P=0.019). Conclusions The application of virtual reality technology in the anatomy teaching of Otorhinolaryngology training for eight-year program medical students may stimulate their learning interest and improve teaching effect.

Key words: Otolaryngology, Virtual reality, Anatomy, Teaching method