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Participant Perceptions of Augmented Reality Simulation for Cardiac Anesthesiology Training: A Prospective,
Albert Tsai1, Natalie Bodmer1, Tracey Hong1
1The following authors are in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA: , and are Clinical Assistant Professors; is an Anesthesiology Resident; is a Research Assistant; is a Clinical Professor. is a Medical Student at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. is a Data Analyst in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Background:
Simulations are a critical component of anesthesia education, and ways to broaden their delivery and accessibility should be studied. The primary aim was to characterize anesthesiology resident, fellow, and faculty experience with augmented reality (AR) simulations. The secondary aim was to explore the feasibility of quantifying performance using integrated eye-tracking technology.
Methods:
This was a prospective, mixed-methods study using qualitative thematic analysis of user feedback and quantitative analysis of gaze patterns. The study was conducted at a large academic medical center in Northern California. Participants included 7 anesthesiology residents, 6 cardiac anesthesiology fellows, and 5 cardiac anesthesiology attendings. Each subject participated in an AR simulation involving resuscitation of a patient with pericardial tamponade. Postsimulation interviews elicited user feedback, and eye-tracking data were analyzed for gaze duration and latency.
Results:
Thematic analysis revealed 5 domains of user experience: global assessment, spectrum of immersion, comparative assessment, operational potential, and human-technology interface. Participants reported a positive learning experience and cited AR technology's portability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency as qualities that may expand access to simulation training. Exploratory analyses of gaze patterns suggested that trainees had increased gaze duration of vital signs and gaze latency of malignant arrythmias compared with attendings. Limitations of the study include lack of a control group and underpowered statistical analyses of gaze data.
Conclusions:
This study suggests positive user perception of AR as a novel modality for medical simulation training. AR technology may increase exposure to simulation education and offer eye-tracking analyses of learner performance.
