Augmented Reality Training for Learning Difficulties

(AR Brazil Trial)

Overseen By Astrid Suen

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Motion sickness, Nausea, Seizures, Glasses

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how effectively new augmented reality (AR) technology helps doctors and medical residents acquire life-saving skills. The study compares two groups: one using AR headsets for a simulated medical crisis and another using traditional in-person simulations. It is ideal for Brazilian residents without severe motion sickness, seizures, or the need for glasses. The primary goal is to determine if the AR method matches or surpasses the traditional approach. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative educational methods in medical training.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this Augmented Reality Headset is safe for training purposes?

Research has shown that augmented reality (AR) in learning environments is generally well-received. This technology is already used in many areas, including education, and is considered safe. For instance, AR helps improve learning and training without causing significant side effects.

Overall, AR tools are safe and don't pose physical risks to users. Some people might experience mild discomfort, such as eye strain or dizziness, but these effects are usually short-lived. Studies have not reported any major safety issues. Therefore, using an AR headset for training in this trial is likely safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using augmented reality (AR) for training people with learning difficulties because it offers an immersive and interactive experience that traditional methods can't match. Traditional training often relies on role-playing or lectures, which may not fully engage participants. In contrast, the AR headset places users in holographic mixed-reality scenarios, like medical emergencies, making the learning more vivid and memorable. This hands-on approach can help improve understanding and retention, giving users a better chance to apply what they've learned in real-world situations.

What evidence suggests that the Augmented Reality Headset is effective for improving ACLS training?

Research has shown that augmented reality (AR) can greatly enhance learning and training. Studies have found that AR and virtual reality (VR) can boost learning effectiveness by up to 76% and make training up to four times faster. These technologies capture attention and reduce distractions, improving focus. In medical training, these immersive experiences align well with learning goals, particularly in life support training. This trial will compare the effectiveness of AR-enhanced simulations, experienced by participants in the experimental group, with traditional in-person simulations used in the control group. Overall, AR makes learning more engaging and effective, potentially benefiting participants in medical scenarios like the one being studied. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Brazilian residents who are physicians or medical residents. It's not suitable for individuals with severe motion sickness, current nausea, a history of seizures, or those who wear corrective glasses.

Inclusion Criteria

Brazilian resident

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently experiencing nausea.

I have a history of seizures.

Wear corrective glasses

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Simulation

Participants undergo either traditional in-person or augmented reality enhanced simulations of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) scenarios

1 day

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Evaluation

Participants' performance, ergonomics, usability, and perceptions are evaluated immediately after the simulation

immediate

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any additional feedback or outcomes post-simulation

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Augmented Reality Headset

Trial Overview The study compares traditional in-person clinical simulation training to an Augmented Reality (AR) headset experience for learning Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). The goal is to see if AR can match the effectiveness of in-person training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental: Augmented Reality Enhanced Simulation (Treatment group) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will experience augmented simulations with a holographic mixed-reality setting based on different workplace scenarios such as medical crisis via Augmented Reality (AR) headset.

Group II: Traditional In Situ Simulation (Control group) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will experience in-person simulations of different workplace scenarios such as medical error and workplace harassment

Augmented Reality Headset is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Augmented Reality Headset for:

• Medical training
• Clinical simulation
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training

Approved in European Union as Augmented Reality Headset for:

• Medical training
• Clinical simulation
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Virtual reality (VR) interventions are primarily used in dementia education and training, showing potential to enhance health professionals' and trainees' knowledge, attitudes, empathy, and sensitivity towards dementia care.

Despite the promising results, the evidence is not yet robust enough to fully endorse the use of immersive virtual learning in dementia training, highlighting the need for more rigorous studies with larger sample sizes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of virtual and augmented reality-based interventions in health education to improve dementia knowledge and attitudes: an integrative review. Jones, C., Jones, D., Moro, C.[2021]

Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being applied in otology/neurotology, particularly for surgical navigation, as evidenced by 18 studies published from 2007 to 2022, with a notable increase in research activity over time.

Despite the promising applications of AR, significant research gaps remain, particularly regarding the precision needed for surgical use, such as achieving submillimeter registration accuracy, which must be resolved before widespread adoption in operating rooms and educational settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Augmented Reality in Otology/Neurotology: A Scoping Review with Implications for Practice and Education. Chen, JX., Yu, SE., Ding, AS., et al.[2023]

A mixed reality headset was developed to visualize interactive 3D holograms of temporal bone anatomy, allowing for enhanced understanding of complex structures during surgical procedures.

The system demonstrated a target registration error of 5.76 mm, indicating a high level of accuracy for overlaying holograms on physical models, which could improve image guidance in lateral skull base surgeries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a Mixed Reality Platform for Lateral Skull Base Anatomy. McJunkin, JL., Jiramongkolchai, P., Chung, W., et al.[2019]

The study involving 12 volunteers showed that using mixed reality (MR) glasses during 90-minute tasks did not negatively impact cognitive functions like balance, memory, or attention, indicating their safety for workers.

While some participants experienced increased muscle activity and a few reported discomfort, the overall findings suggest that MR glasses can be safely integrated into work tasks with proper setup and familiarization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of mixed reality head-mounted glasses during 90 minutes of mental and manual tasks on cognitive and physiological functions. Cometti, C., Païzis, C., Casteleira, A., et al.[2022]

Mixed Reality (MR) technology can significantly enhance remote assistance and training by providing better spatial clarity and interaction capabilities compared to traditional video conferencing tools, which often lack essential communication cues.

A systematic review of 62 articles identified key gaps in current MR research, such as the need for more collaborative scenarios and advanced interaction techniques, which can help inform future developments in various fields like medicine and education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Survey on Remote Assistance and Training in Mixed Reality Environments. Fidalgo, CG., Yan, Y., Cho, H., et al.[2023]

A meta-analysis of 44 studies showed that newer generation virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) significantly reduce adverse symptoms and dropouts compared to older models, indicating improved safety and user experience.

Commercial versions of new generation HMDs, especially those with ergonomic features, reported zero incidents of adverse effects, making them suitable for use in cognitive neuroscience research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Technological Competence Is a Pre-condition for Effective Implementation of Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays in Human Neuroscience: A Technological Review and Meta-Analysis. Kourtesis, P., Collina, S., Doumas, LAA., et al.[2020]

The study successfully demonstrated that augmented reality headsets can be used for remote training of clinicians on medical devices, allowing for realistic simulations of procedures like prostate biopsy and rectal spacer insertion without the need for travel.

Participants found the remote training effective and realistic, with 70.9% expressing interest in further training, highlighting the potential of this technology to enhance medical education while reducing costs and risks associated with in-person training.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Remote surgical education using synthetic models combined with an augmented reality headset. Stone, NN., Wilson, MP., Griffith, SH., et al.[2022]

Augmented reality (AR) technology can provide realistic learning experiences in medical training, which is crucial for mastering complex skills that are difficult to practice in real-life settings due to safety or cost concerns.

Current research on AR in medical education primarily focuses on its development and usability, showing promising results in enhancing motivation, training psychomotor skills, and improving understanding of complex concepts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Augmented reality in medical education? Kamphuis, C., Barsom, E., Schijven, M., et al.[2023]

All tested head-mounted displays (AceSight, eSight 3, IrisVision Live, and Jordy) improved distance visual acuity and reading distance in individuals with Stargardt disease, indicating their potential efficacy in enhancing visual function.

Despite the improvements in vision, social stigma and device aesthetics significantly affected participants' willingness to use these devices in public, limiting their overall adoption and use at home.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

At-Home Trial of Four Different Head-Mounted Displays in Visual Rehabilitation of People with Stargardt Disease. Schmidt, DC., Kjølholm, CDB., Torner Jordana, J., et al.[2023]

This review aims to develop and refine a program theory to understand how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can effectively train health and care providers, addressing the mixed evidence on their effectiveness in various settings.

The study will systematically analyze existing theories and empirical evidence to identify the contexts and mechanisms that influence the success of AR/VR training programs, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care and promote evidence-based practices in healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Upskilling health and care workers with augmented and virtual reality: protocol for a realist review to develop an evidence-informed programme theory. Gasteiger, N., van der Veer, SN., Wilson, P., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 25 electric utility workers, the use of augmented reality (AR) devices, specifically the Microsoft HoloLens and RealWear HMT-1, did not significantly change muscle activity in the neck compared to traditional methods.

However, the HoloLens was associated with a lower blink rate in manhole workers, which could increase the risk of eye strain or dry-eye syndrome, suggesting a need for careful evaluation of AR devices before long-term use in the field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Do Head-Mounted Augmented Reality Devices Affect Muscle Activity and Eye Strain of Utility Workers Who Do Procedural Work? Studies of Operators and Manhole Workers. Marklin, RW., Toll, AM., Bauman, EH., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 50 children aged 4-10 years, the use of a VR headset for 60 minutes did not result in significant changes in key visual and motor functions, indicating that young children can tolerate immersive VR play safely.

While some children reported mild discomfort and fatigue, the overall prevalence of adverse effects was lower than what is typically observed in adults, suggesting that VR play may be safer for young children than previously thought.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Headset Viewing on Young Children: Visuomotor Function, Postural Stability, and Motion Sickness. Tychsen, L., Foeller, P.[2020]

The CLEAR pilot trial demonstrated that augmented reality (AR) leaflets significantly reduced mental effort required for understanding compared to traditional leaflets, with a score of 2.00 for AR versus 4.75 for traditional (P = .0003).

Participants reported much higher satisfaction and perceived usefulness with the AR leaflets, scoring 93.50 for satisfaction compared to 54.50 for traditional leaflets (P = .0001), indicating that AR may enhance patient education effectively without any recorded harms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Cleft Lip Education with Augmented Reality (CLEAR) VR Phase 2 Trial: A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial of a Novel Patient Information Leaflet. Lo, SJ., Chapman, P., Young, D., et al.[2023]

Augmented Reality (AR) technology offers a novel approach to teaching clinical procedures like endotracheal intubation, enhancing traditional methods that rely on bedside and lab settings.

The use of AR in training can significantly improve patient safety by providing realistic simulations that merge virtual elements with real patient data, such as MR images and Visible Human datasets.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Augmented Reality for teaching endotracheal intubation: MR imaging to create anatomically correct models. Kerner, KF., Imielinska, C., Rolland, J., et al.[2016]

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XR in Higher Education: Adoption, Considerations, and ... As extended reality continues to be adopted in colleges and universities, higher education leaders need to consider regulatory and ethical ...