FAST Performance Changes After a Training Sequence Including Augmented Reality Guidance Among Paramedic Students

Point-of-care ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool in emergency medicine. Among its applications, Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a rapid imaging method used in initial trauma evaluation. Augmented reality (AR) may provide visual guidance during procedural learning. This study examined changes in FAST performance following a short-term training sequence that included AR-assisted guidance among paramedic students.

An interventional study was conducted with 18 undergraduate paramedic students who participated in a two-hour program consisting of a 60-minute lecture and a 60-minute hands-on session. Each participant performed four FAST examinations: 2 conventional and 2 AR-assisted. The primary outcome was total FAST performance time; secondary outcomes were the time for each view and the Quality of Ultrasound Imaging and Competence score, including the Task-Specific Checklist and Global Rating Scale.

The median total FAST time was significantly reduced after the training sequence (difference: 263.5 s; 95% CI: 177-352.5; P<0.001). Significant time reductions were observed in the pericardial, Morison's pouch, and perisplenic views, but not in the Douglas pouch view. Both Task-Specific Checklist and Global Rating Scale scores improved significantly (both P<0.001).

Improvements in procedural efficiency and technical performance were observed after a short training sequence that included AR-assisted guidance for FAST among paramedic students. Given the fixed examination sequence and absence of a parallel control group, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.