Augmented Reality in Pediatric Septic Shock Simulation: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Medical simulation technology
• Augmented reality applications

Background:

• Septic shock in children is a critical condition requiring rapid resuscitation.
• Simulation-based education is vital for training pediatric care providers.
• Effective management of pediatric septic shock necessitates timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement PediSepsisAR, an augmented reality app for pediatric septic shock simulation.
• To assess the feasibility of measuring fluid administration timing and volume during simulation.
• To evaluate PediSepsisAR's effectiveness as an educational tool in enhancing awareness and recognition of critical patient status.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled feasibility trial involving 50 pediatric care providers.
• Participants were randomized to either the PediSepsisAR group or a traditional simulation control group.
• Key metrics included time to fluid administration and time to recognition of critical patient status.

Main Results:

• The PediSepsisAR app was successfully implemented, and data on fluid administration were captured for all participants.
• No statistically significant differences were found in the time to fluid administration or recognition of patient status between the groups.
• A majority of participants in the PediSepsisAR group reported enhanced awareness of patient perfusion.

Conclusions:

• An augmented reality app (PediSepsisAR) was developed for pediatric septic shock simulation.
• The feasibility of measuring fluid administration parameters during simulation was demonstrated.
• PediSepsisAR shows potential in improving participants' understanding of abnormal perfusion in simulated pediatric septic shock cases.