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Using head-mounted augmented and virtual reality devices for anaesthesia education: a scoping review
Matthew J Kuan1,2, Thomas F E Drake-Brockman1,2,3,4, Britta S von Ungern-Sternberg1,2,3,4
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
BJA Open
|March 9, 2026
Summary
Head-mounted devices (HMDs) enhance anaesthesia education by improving engagement and knowledge retention for various skills. However, technical limitations and the need for more research mean HMDs are best used as complementary tools.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Simulation Technology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Head-mounted devices (HMDs) offer immersive, head-tracked simulations for diverse clinical scenarios in anaesthesia.
- Previous research has explored HMDs for enhancing anaesthetic skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on how HMD-based augmented or virtual reality enhances anaesthetic skill learning.
- To identify the effectiveness of HMDs across various anaesthetic procedures and training levels.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of 22 articles focusing on HMD use in anaesthesia education.
- Exclusion of studies focused on patient-users.
- Analysis of HMD effectiveness in airway management, neuraxial/regional anaesthesia, vascular access, and practice scenarios.
Main Results:
- HMDs generally improved engagement, knowledge retention, and user confidence.
- Evidence suggests improved procedural performance in some areas like airway management and neuraxial training.
- Regional anaesthesia training with HMDs was effective, potentially requiring fewer instructors.
- Vascular and central venous training showed mixed efficiency outcomes.
- Virtual scenario simulations were engaging but sometimes difficult to interact with.
Conclusions:
- HMDs show promise in anaesthesia education, improving key learning metrics.
- Technical limitations and adoption challenges persist.
- Heterogeneous methodologies and limited long-term data necessitate larger multicentre trials.
- HMDs are currently best utilized as supplementary simulation tools, not replacements for conventional teaching.
