Augmented Reality and Plastic Surgery Training: A Qualitative Study

Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to many challenges in face-to-face teaching and training in plastic surgery. However, it has also proved to be an incubator for many technological solutions. Augmented reality (AR) platforms may offer a safe, equitable, and efficient means to provide training in plastic surgery. This study aimed to explore the user's experience of AR as an educational intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK). Materials and methods The Proximie® AR platform (Proximie Limited, London, UK) has been in use in a UK plastic surgical department for facilitating webinars, visual libraries, and streamed procedures. The experience of a range of trainers and trainees was qualitatively explored through 10 individual interviews. Data-emergent theme analysis was also performed. Results AR was well-received in the context of COVID-19 and training in general as a means to enable theatre access, and visual revision, remotely. The potential for its use in remote coaching and telementoring was also discussed. Recommendations were made by the users to optimise the experience both from the trainer and learner perspectives. Data were presented pertaining to the following themes: surgical AR as a substitute for hands-on learning; surgical AR and theoretical learning; considerations specific to streamed procedures using Proximie®; considerations in the use of technology in general. Conclusion Harnessing novel technologies in surgical education offers an exciting opportunity, fast-tracked by COVID-19, but applicable beyond it. Though this study includes a small sample size, its findings suggest that AR platforms may offer a uniquely interactive remote educational experience in surgical training. Strategies and suggestions for its use are discussed, as well as broader considerations in using technology in surgical education.