Effectiveness of AR in Ventilator Setting Education.

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.

Method:

This was a prospective randomized controlled pilot study 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 two 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 device (HMD). We compared the overall score of the procedure, required level of assistance, and user's experience between the groups.

Inclusion criteria

We enrolled nurses who had no prior experience with ventilator setup or AR systems, regardless of their work department or age.

Exclusion criteria

We excluded nurses who had already experienced setting up a ventilator or who had trouble wearing or using a head-mounted device (HMD).