Introduction
Leprosy remains a major global health issue, with delayed diagnosis causing permanent disability. Many healthcare workers, particularly those in primary care, lack the skills required for early leprosy detection.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to examine virtual reality (VR) applications in dermatology from 2015 to 2025 and identify gaps in leprosy-specific training. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework for a VR-based leprosy diagnosis training application was developed.
Results
This review revealed a lack of comprehensive VR simulations for leprosy diagnosis. Emerging VR technologies include synthetic 3D lesion generation, AI-driven patient interactions, and haptic feedback. The proposed framework integrates these into three layers: Interface & Interaction, Content & Assets, and Pedagogy & Ethics.
Discussion
This framework addresses critical gaps in leprosy diagnostic training by combining advanced VR features and effective pedagogical methods. Further development and validation of the prototype are needed to assess its real-world impact on early diagnosis and patient outcomes.
BT - Leprosy Review DA - 03/2026 DO - 10.47276/lr.97.1.2025108 IS - 1 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Introduction
Leprosy remains a major global health issue, with delayed diagnosis causing permanent disability. Many healthcare workers, particularly those in primary care, lack the skills required for early leprosy detection.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to examine virtual reality (VR) applications in dermatology from 2015 to 2025 and identify gaps in leprosy-specific training. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework for a VR-based leprosy diagnosis training application was developed.
Results
This review revealed a lack of comprehensive VR simulations for leprosy diagnosis. Emerging VR technologies include synthetic 3D lesion generation, AI-driven patient interactions, and haptic feedback. The proposed framework integrates these into three layers: Interface & Interaction, Content & Assets, and Pedagogy & Ethics.
Discussion
This framework addresses critical gaps in leprosy diagnostic training by combining advanced VR features and effective pedagogical methods. Further development and validation of the prototype are needed to assess its real-world impact on early diagnosis and patient outcomes.
PB - Lepra PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 9 T2 - Leprosy Review TI - Bridging the gap: a VR conceptual framework in dermatology for leprosy diagnosis training, based on a scoping review UR - https://deleprastichting-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/e_williams_infontd_org/IQCQDpjdJt_NRoT8ubMMU1GRAe_eMZOx3pDlIYSpE5WP7o0?e=4ZYaP5 VL - 97 SN - 2162-8807 ER -