arXiv:2510.25944v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Purpose: To develop a virtual reality simulator for high dose rate prostate brachytherapy and to test whether participation is associated with immediate gains in self-reported confidence across predefined procedural domains in two cohorts. Methods: Two modules were developed and implemented using Unreal Engine: patient preparation and template guided needle insertion. Oncology staff and trainees completed pre and post surveys that assessed confidence for recalling steps, explaining steps, identifying equipment, and explaining equipment function. Studies were conducted at the Hands On Brachytherapy Workshop (HOWBT) in London, Ontario, and at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests with two-sided p values compared before and after scores within each module. Results: Patient preparation (N=11) confidence increased for recalling steps (W=65, p=0.002), explaining steps (W=51, p = 0.023), identifying equipment (W=65, p=0.002), and explaining equipment function (W=60, p=0.0078). Needle insertion (N=27) confidence increased for recalling steps (W=292, p