Creating a smart classroom in intensive care using assisted reality technology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Intensive Care Medicine Training
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• Medical students have limited exposure to intensive care medicine during undergraduate training.
• The COVID-19 pandemic restricted access to intensive care units (ICUs), further reducing student exposure.
• This study addresses the need for innovative training methods in intensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of assisted reality (AR) technology to create a smart classroom for intensive care education.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and reception of AR-based smart classrooms among medical students and educators.
• To assess the potential of smart classrooms in revolutionizing intensive care medical training.

Main Methods:

• Six intensive care teaching sessions were live-streamed to 33 medical students using wearable AR glasses.
• Student and educator feedback was collected using the Evaluation of Technology-Enhanced Learning Materials (ETELM) tool.
• Data analysis involved pooling results from the live-streamed sessions and feedback surveys.

Main Results:

• A 100% response rate was achieved for ETELM learner and educator perceptions.
• Students reported high satisfaction, finding sessions well-organized, relevant, and technologically efficient.
• Educators noted minor technological issues and challenges in balancing teaching with clinical demands.

Conclusions:

• Assisted reality smart classrooms show significant potential to revolutionize intensive care education.
• The technology was well-received by both students and educators, providing a safe platform for learning.
• Despite limitations like cost and potential tech issues, smart classrooms offer a valuable, open learning environment for intensive care medicine, especially in the post-pandemic era.