Virtual Reality in Speech Therapy Students’ Training: a Scoping Review

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Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) is a useful educational tool in healthcare, allowing students to practise and improve practical skills. In speech and language therapy (SLT), the need to revise academic curricula to adapt them to university contexts and integrate them with advanced clinical practices, has highlighted the need to analyse the use of VR in this sector. The objective of this scoping review was to investigate whether research has considered using VR to support SLT students' training and highlight potential gaps in the literature. The study followed the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and was reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In May 2025, databases in healthcare, computer science, and education were searched, along with other sources. No constraints were applied and all study types were considered. Fourteen studies were included in the review and analysed under four core subjects: VR technology, SLT context, training purposes and main outcomes and assessment methods. VR is still in its early stages in SLT education. While simulation is becoming more common, most VR tools are non-immersive or semi-immersive, with few fully immersive ones. Some recent studies suggest VR supports students' communication, interdisciplinary and clinical skills. Overall, VR is well accepted and supports experiential and skills-based learning.

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