Using Mixed Reality to Teach Medical Students Lumbar Punctures

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Extended Reality in Healthcare
• Simulation-Based Training

Background:

• Bedside procedure familiarity is crucial for medical students but often lacking in undergraduate curricula.
• Students frequently report feeling unprepared for procedures upon graduation.
• Extended reality (XR) technologies offer promising, accessible educational tools, particularly in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and usability of a mixed-reality (MR) lumbar puncture simulation.
• To compare MR training with traditional faculty-led, high-fidelity mannikin-based simulation.

Main Methods:

• An MR lumbar puncture simulation was created using first-person procedural filming.
• Fourth-year medical students were randomized to MR or traditional simulation groups.
• Performance was assessed using a standardized checklist, and student experiences were surveyed.

Main Results:

• 59% of students found MR comfortable as a training modality, despite limited prior XR experience.
• Over 55% deemed MR as effective as traditional simulation.
• No significant difference in performance was observed between MR and traditional groups (58.8% vs. 65.5% completion in one attempt, P = .79).

Conclusions:

• Mixed reality is an acceptable and effective training modality for healthcare professionals performing lumbar punctures.
• The study highlights opportunities to further enhance immersive learning experiences with MR.
• MR simulation shows potential to bridge the gap in practical skills training for medical students.