Interactive Mixed Reality Simulation Enhances Student Knowledge and Ultrasound Interpretation in Sheep Pregnancy...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Veterinary Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is crucial in medical and veterinary education.
• Traditional lecture-based methods inadequately develop spatial reasoning for medical imaging, especially ultrasound interpretation.
• Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis requires specific spatial and technical proficiencies often unmet by conventional teaching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive mixed reality (MR) training tool, Ewe Scan, for ultrasound interpretation.
• To compare the educational outcomes of MR-based training with traditional lecture-based instruction.
• To assess the impact of MR training on student comprehension, retention, engagement, and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Forty-two undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either lecture-based or MR-based training groups.
• Training was delivered via Apple Vision Pro for the MR group and traditional lectures for the control group.
• Student performance was assessed immediately post-training and at a six-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• MR-trained students demonstrated significantly superior performance in immediate comprehension and long-term retention of ultrasound interpretation skills.
• The MR group reported higher levels of engagement, confidence, and overall satisfaction with the training.
• MR-based learning fostered improved spatial understanding and active participation compared to lectures.

Conclusions:

• Interactive mixed reality simulations offer a more effective educational approach for ultrasound interpretation than traditional lectures.
• MR training enhances spatial reasoning, knowledge retention, and student engagement in medical imaging education.
• Integrating MR technology provides a scalable, ethical, and effective alternative for advancing medical and veterinary science training.