1295 To What Extent Would an Augmented Reality Surgical Skills Mobile App Effectively Supplement Surgical Skills Training for UK Medical Students and Foundation Doctors?
E Sule, R Ghaderi, S Tariq, Y Kamel, J Maliyil- Surgery
Abstract
Aim
Augmented Reality (AR) has been identified as having high potential to provide early, focused and satisfactory surgical skills education for UK surgical trainees. AR overlays digital information onto the physical world, providing an interactive experience. Mobile applications are effective, low-cost methods of delivering technology-enhanced learning (TEL). This study aimed to determine the viability and efficacy of augmented reality (AR) mobile applications for immersive simulation training for surgical trainees in the UK.
Method
A systematic search using pre-determined terms and criteria was used to identify and screen relevant literature on seven major databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL and JBI. Further search of citations, dissertations, and theses (ProQuest) were also conducted. Identified publications were further screened using pre-defined criteria.
Results
34 unique publications were identified in total, from database searches (n = 31) and review of reference lists (n = 3). Following detailed review of abstracts, 14 publications were omitted from ongoing analysis. All remaining publications (n = 20) discuss TEL. Five positive themes emerged: widespread acceptance, improved surgical accuracy, reduced time wasted, telementoring and real-life scenario replication. 2 barriers of AR identified were the lack of tactile feedback, and accessibility, particularly AR implementation.
Conclusions
As a digital technology, AR has the potential to supplement and enhance surgical training. Current literature suggests wide acceptance, skill improvement and time efficiency of digital compared to traditional training and educational methods. However, little research exists specifically evaluating the efficacy of AR mobile applications in delivering surgical skills to early surgical trainees. More research is therefore needed to inform appropriate adoption of this emerging technology.