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. 2023 Jul 1;25(3):E712.
doi: 10.46374/volxxv_issue3_Tsai. eCollection 2023 Jul-Sep.

Participant Perceptions of Augmented Reality Simulation for Cardiac Anesthesiology Training: A Prospective, Mixed-Methods Study

Albert Tsai  1 , Natalie Bodmer  1 , Tracey Hong  1 , Anna Frackman  1 , Olivia Hess  1 , Michael Khoury  1 , Christian Jackson  1 , Thomas J Caruso  1
Affiliations

Participant Perceptions of Augmented Reality Simulation for Cardiac Anesthesiology Training: A Prospective, Mixed-Methods Study

Albert Tsai et al. J Educ Perioper Med. .

Abstract

Background: Simulations are a critical component of anesthesia education, and ways to broaden their delivery and accessibility should be studied. The primary aim was to characterize anesthesiology resident, fellow, and faculty experience with augmented reality (AR) simulations. The secondary aim was to explore the feasibility of quantifying performance using integrated eye-tracking technology.

Methods: This was a prospective, mixed-methods study using qualitative thematic analysis of user feedback and quantitative analysis of gaze patterns. The study was conducted at a large academic medical center in Northern California. Participants included 7 anesthesiology residents, 6 cardiac anesthesiology fellows, and 5 cardiac anesthesiology attendings. Each subject participated in an AR simulation involving resuscitation of a patient with pericardial tamponade. Postsimulation interviews elicited user feedback, and eye-tracking data were analyzed for gaze duration and latency.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed 5 domains of user experience: global assessment, spectrum of immersion, comparative assessment, operational potential, and human-technology interface. Participants reported a positive learning experience and cited AR technology's portability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency as qualities that may expand access to simulation training. Exploratory analyses of gaze patterns suggested that trainees had increased gaze duration of vital signs and gaze latency of malignant arrythmias compared with attendings. Limitations of the study include lack of a control group and underpowered statistical analyses of gaze data.

Conclusions: This study suggests positive user perception of AR as a novel modality for medical simulation training. AR technology may increase exposure to simulation education and offer eye-tracking analyses of learner performance.

Keywords: Medical education; augmented reality; behavioral skills; qualitative methods; simulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: None

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Real-world and holographic asset overlay as seen through Magic Leap during simulation.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Open interface controller as seen through instructor headset.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Detailed description of simulation sequence.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Gaze duration of vital signs by participant training level.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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