An Augmented Reality-Based Guide for Mechanical Ventilator Setup: Prospective Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Background: Recently, the demand for mechanical ventilation (MV) has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the conventional approaches to MV training are resource intensive and require on-site training. Consequently, the need for independent learning platforms with remote assistance in institutions without resources has surged.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an augmented reality (AR)-based self-learning platform for novices to set up a ventilator without on-site assistance.

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled pilot study was conducted at Samsung Medical Center, Korea, from January to February 2022. Nurses with no prior experience of MV or AR were enrolled. We randomized the participants into 2 groups: manual and AR groups. Participants in the manual group used a printed manual and made a phone call for assistance, whereas participants in the AR group were guided by AR-based instructions and requested assistance with the head-mounted display. We compared the overall score of the procedure, required level of assistance, and user experience between the groups.

Results: In total, 30 participants completed the entire procedure with or without remote assistance. Fewer participants requested assistance in the AR group compared to the manual group (7/15, 47.7% vs 14/15, 93.3%; P=.02). The number of steps that required assistance was also lower in the AR group compared to the manual group (n=13 vs n=33; P=.004). The AR group had a higher rating in predeveloped questions for confidence (median 3, IQR 2.50-4.00 vs median 2, IQR 2.00-3.00; P=.01), suitability of method (median 4, IQR 4.00-5.00 vs median 3, IQR 3.00-3.50; P=.01), and whether they intended to recommend AR systems to others (median 4, IQR 3.00-5.00 vs median 3, IQR 2.00-3.00; P=.002).

Conclusions: AR-based instructions to set up a mechanical ventilator were feasible for novices who had no prior experience with MV or AR. Additionally, participants in the AR group required less assistance compared with those in the manual group, resulting in higher confidence after training.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05446896; https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05446896.

Keywords: augmented reality; critical care; digital health; digital learning; health care professional; learning platform; mechanical ventilation education; medical education; medical training; nurse; nursing; nursing education; virtual education; virtual reality.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

©Sejin Heo, Suhyeon Moon, Minha Kim, Minsu Park, Won Chul Cha, Meong Hi Son. Originally published in JMIR Serious Games (https://games.jmir.org), 22.07.2022.

Figures

Figure 1

Scenes from the study: (A) trainee following the instructions with the printed manual; (B) trainee following the augmented reality (AR) instruction with head mounted display (HMD); (C) hologram instruction shown to trainee via HMD; (D) AR direction with hologram (3D object) overlaid on the mechanical ventilator.

Figure 2

The effectiveness of augmented reality (AR)–based instruction for ventilator set up; (A) independent learning—the number of participants who requested assistance; (B) independent learning—number of stages that required assistance; (C) user experience.