Augmented reality for medical education in the primary survey of burns: an exploratory study.

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) technology is rapidly evolving and is finding an increasing application in education, including medical training. This feasibility study aimed to explore the usability and didactic potential of AR with the HoloLens2™ for medical students, teaching the primary survey of burn wounds. This feasibility study was conducted using a prospective observational cohort design. Test groups consisted of participants with limited (n = 18), moderate (n = 10), or high (n = 5) experience in burn care, and filled in a questionnaire after training with the HoloLens2™. Outcomes of the questionnaires show AR to be a promising technology for educating medical students in the primary survey of burn wounds. However promising, there is further need for development in usability and image quality. The ability to simulate realistic scenarios in a safe and scalable environment could pave the way for a new era for medical education, where AR becomes a valuable supplement or even replacement for traditional learning methods.