The use of Microsoft HoloLens 2 in teaching clinical paediatric ENT: a modern approach to reducing child distress

Clinical exposure is vital in medical education, but in paediatric otolaryngology traditional bedside teaching can cause children distress and fatigue. Augmented reality technology offers a solution to enhance learning while reducing these challenges. This study evaluated the feasibility of using Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality technology in clinical paediatric ENT to reduce children distress during bedside teaching.

An 18-month pilot study at Alder Hey Children's Hospital involved 109 4th-year medical students from the University of Liverpool. Students participated in virtual ward round sessions, where one student performed a clinical review using HoloLens 2, while others observed and interacted remotely. Feedback from students, patients and parents was collected verbally and via questionnaires.

Overall, 69 per cent of students rated the augmented reality session as equivalent or better than traditional bedside teaching. Most students (87 per cent) had no prior experience with augmented reality, yet found it engaging and beneficial. Parent reported reduced stress for their children.

Augmented reality using HoloLens 2 is a promising tool for teaching clinical paediatric ENT, providing an immersive, child-friendly learning experience. While effective, high costs and technical challenges may restrict wider implementation. Future studies should explore further integration of augmented reality in medical education.