Comparing the Psychological Effects of Manikin-Based and Augmented Reality-Based Simulation Training: Within-Subjects...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Simulation-Based Training
• Human Factors in Medicine

Background:

• Patient simulators are vital for medical training, enhancing skills and decision-making.
• Emerging virtual and augmented reality (AR) simulators offer more realistic experiences.
• Research is needed to compare stress responses between AR and traditional manikin simulators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychological and physiological effects of augmented reality (AR) in medical simulation training.
• To compare these effects against traditional manikin-based simulations.

Main Methods:

• A within-subjects design assessed 89 medical students in simulated pediatric resuscitations using AR or manikins.
• Measures included psychological well-being, salivary cortisol, galvanic skin response (GSR), and narrative emotional word use.
• Physiological and psychological data were collected pre-, during, and post-simulation.

Main Results:

• Galvanic skin response (GSR) was significantly higher in the manikin group compared to AR (P=.009).
• No significant differences were found in negative affect, self-reported stress, simulation stress, positive/negative emotion words, simulation sickness, or salivary cortisol between AR and manikin groups.
• Preexisting psychological conditions did not correlate with physiological responses to AR simulations.

Conclusions:

• Augmented reality (AR) simulators induce comparable stress levels to traditional manikin simulators.
• AR simulators provide a promising avenue for more emotionally realistic medical training without causing undue stress or harm.
• AR technology can enhance medical education through immersive and safe simulated scenarios.