Journal article
Next-generation Virtual and Augmented Reality in surgical education: a narrative review
- Abstract:
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Background: Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) has been used in surgery for several decades. Over the past 5-10 years, however, new technological advances, including high-resolution screens, mobile graphical processing units (mGPUs) and position-sensing technologies, have been incorporated into relatively low-cost VR and AR devices. This review focuses on the current impact of the application of these “Phase 2” VR/AR technology in surgical training.
Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken using PubMed and Web of Science to identify comparative studies related to the impact of Phase 2 VR or AR tools on surgical training, defined in terms of the acquisition of technical surgical skills. Eleven studies on the effectiveness of VR/AR in surgical education were identified for full review. Further, the grey literature was searched for articles describing the current state of VR/AR in surgical education. A quality analysis using the Newcastle Ottawa scale showed a median score of 7 (out of a maximum achievable score of 9).
Results: All studies showed a positive association between the use of VR/AR in surgical training and skill acquisition in terms of improving the speed of acquisition of surgical skills, the surgeon’s ability to multitask, the ability to perform a procedure accurately, hand-eye coordination and bimanual operation. The grey literature presented a common, positive theme of the benefits of VR/AR in surgical training.
Conclusions: Based on the limited evidence available, VR/AR appears to have positive training benefits in improving the speed of acquisition of surgical skills. However, the significant heterogeneity in study methodology and the relative recency of wider VR/AR adoption in surgical training mean that only tentative conclusions can be drawn at this stage. Further research, ideally with large sample sizes, robust outcome measures and longer follow-up periods, is recommended.
- Publication status:
- Published
- Peer review status:
- Peer reviewed
Actions
Authors
- Publisher:
- Surgical Technology Online
- Journal:
- Surgical Technology International More from this journal
- Volume:
- 33
- Publication date:
- 2019-09-09
- ISSN:
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1090-3941
- Pmid:
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31498872
- Language:
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English
- Keywords:
- Pubs id:
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pubs:1053711
- UUID:
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uuid:c116032a-907f-4ac1-93ef-112901d159c1
- Local pid:
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pubs:1053711
- Source identifiers:
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1053711
- Deposit date:
-
2019-10-03
Terms of use
- Copyright date:
- 2019
- Notes:
- This is an author version of the article. The final version is available online from the publisher's website at: http://surgicaltechnology.com/33-Surgical-Overview.htm
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