Collocated mixed reality for basic life support training in medical students: a randomised pilot feasibility trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation Technology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Traditional basic life support (BLS) training often lacks realistic patient scenarios.
• Mixed reality (MR) offers potential to enhance manikin-based training with virtual patient cues.
• This study investigates the feasibility of integrating collocated MR into undergraduate BLS instruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of collocated mixed reality (MR)-supported basic life support (BLS) training.
• To assess course integration, safety, technical delivery, and learner workload.
• To explore learner-reported usability and acceptability of MR in BLS training.

Main Methods:

• A single-centre, randomized pilot feasibility trial involving first-year medical students.
• Participants were randomized to MR-supported or conventional BLS training within an 8-hour course.
• Feasibility was assessed through course integration, safety, technical delivery, workload (NASA-TLX), and usability feedback.

Main Results:

• Sixty-one students participated; 53 completed questionnaires.
• MR training integrated successfully with no technical failures or safety incidents.
• Learner-reported workload and secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, motivation, satisfaction) did not differ significantly between groups.
• Exploratory feedback highlighted areas for refinement in MR technology and integration.

Conclusions:

• Collocated MR-supported BLS training is feasible for undergraduate instruction without increasing learner workload.
• Further technical and pedagogical refinements are recommended.
• Larger studies are needed to evaluate objective performance, retention, and transfer of skills.