520 Augmented Reality (AR) Presents a Novel Approach to Improving Surgical Training for Medical Students. (19th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aziz, Khawaja; Chong, Dolly Li; Haq, Taha; Falconer, Stuart; Lewington, Andrew
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 6
• Publication Date: 2022-08-19
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac268.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Surgical specialities are underrepresented in medical schools with students often feeling that anatomy teaching is suboptimal. Augmented reality (AR) presents a novel approach of improving anatomical knowledge. This study aims to evaluate AR as a method of preparing students for their surgical placements through a series of surgeon-led anatomy tutorials. Method: The Microsoft HoloLens 2 was used to project a 3D anatomical model and deliver small group renal anatomy tutorials, with a focus on transplant surgery. Questionnaires and MCQs were completed by participants before and after tutorials, assessing key themes of anatomical knowledge, self-perception of renal anatomy knowledge and a comparison of AR to traditional methods. All responses were anonymised, and qualitative feedback evaluated u­­sing a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Nineteen medical students, from a variety of year groups, were recruited from a single medical school. 63% were in their 4 th year of study. Average MCQ results improved by 18% before and after the tutorial. Self-perceived confidence regarding renal anatomy improved from 2/10 pre-tutorial to 8/10 post-tutorial. 95% of students preferred AR teaching ­to traditional methods such as slide-based teaching. 85% preferred it over dissection-based methods. Technical limitations of the HoloLens were discovered during the study and nearly half of participants reported some symptoms of cybersickness. Conclusions: AR based anatomy tutorials offer a more interactive and engaging experience than traditional methods and are positively received by medical students. As an adjunct alongside traditional methods, AR offers innovative opportunities of improving anatomy education and surgical training within medical schools.