Augmented Reality Technology to Facilitate Proficiency in Emergency Medical Procedures

Abstract

Background: Augmented reality (AR) conveys an experience during which the user’s real-time environment is enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information; it is being investigated as a solution to enhance medical education and clinical practice. There is little literature on its utility for teaching emergency procedures. Methods: A within-subjects trial was performed comparing traditional training to AR guidance for two emergency procedures. Lay-subjects and emergency medical technicians received video training and AR guidance for performing bag-valve-mask ventilation and needle-decompression. Subjects performed both procedures in a simulation setting after each training modality. Subject performance, acceptability and usability were analyzed. Results: There was no difference in procedural performance between lay or EMT subjects for AR training, and no difference in subject-reported usefulness between the AR and control training. Conclusion: AR mediated guidance for emergency medical procedures is feasible and efficacious. Subject performance after AR training was statistically undistinguishable from a didactic educational modality.