Virtual and Augmented Reality: The Perceived Impact on Surgical Training, a Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Extended Reality (XR) Simulation

Background:

• Extended Reality (XR) simulation, including Virtual and Augmented Reality, is increasingly used in surgical education.
• XR offers benefits like accelerated skill acquisition and immersive learning environments.
• Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory underpins XR simulation's educational value.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive qualitative systematic review of surgical trainees' experiences with XR simulation.
• To identify key themes and sub-themes related to XR integration in surgical education.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Mendeley databases for qualitative and mixed-methods studies (past 5 years).
• PRISMA guidelines followed; 11 papers selected after initial screening of 330 articles.
• Thematic analysis using NVivo 14 and Braun and Clarke's six-stage model under an Interpretivist paradigm.

Main Results:

• Three major themes emerged: "Integration of XR into Surgical Education," "Mentorship, Collaboration and Reflective Practice," and "Challenges in Accessibility, Equity and Usability."
• XR simulation shows potential for enhancing surgical curricula and fostering collaboration.
• Identified challenges include accessibility, equity, and usability issues with XR technology.

Conclusions:

• XR simulation can boost surgical trainees' operative confidence, procedural understanding, and self-reflection.
• Barriers such as socioeconomic disparities and technological limitations hinder widespread XR adoption.
• Strategic investment and curriculum integration are recommended to increase XR utilization in surgical training.