Emergencies-Infinite worlds? : Extended reality as a medium in the education, continuing and advanced training in emergency medicine

• Published in: Die Anaesthesiologie Vol. 72; no. 8; p. 596
• Main Authors: Luiz, Thomas, Elsenbast, Christian, Breckwoldt, Jan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Emergency management; Extended reality; Immersion; Simulation training; Virtual reality
• DOI: 10.1007/s00101-023-01305-0
• ISSN: 2731-6866

Simulation training is indispensable in emergency medicine, especially for enhancing patient safety. Methods and technologies used include a wide spectrum ranging from simple skill trainers to complex full-scale simulated environments integrating standardized patient actors. Limitations include the simulation of dynamic changes of clinical symptoms, the depiction of emotions and patient movements as well as complex environments, such as lively traffic. Extended reality (XR) holds the potential to overcome these limitations. Starting with the technological basis and the didactic considerations in the field of XR, the paper reflects the potentials and limitations of this new technology in the domain of medical simulation training. Further focus is put on the integration of XR into existing training curricula. The XR covers various technologies, ranging from PC-based applications that are similar to conventional computer games, over virtual realities enabling spatially freely navigable 3‑dimensional simulation (using closed 3D glasses: head mounted displays, HMD), to mixed-reality applications that combine virtual elements and real physical objects; however, technology alone does not stimulate learning. As with other simulation methods, it is crucial with XR to implement learning objectives, methods and technologies in a suitable teaching-learning arrangement and to familiarize teachers and students with the new technology. Evidence in the literature with respect to learning success is limited by the heterogeneity of technologies, target groups, teaching-learning arrangements and learning outcomes. Overall, significant increases can be shown for the intrinsic motivation of learners, and for high emotional participation (measured as perceived presence in the virtual environment). Technological developments and the increasing use of digital media in emergency medical education and training favor the leap from XR-based pure demonstration projects to educational practice. Decisive for the educational success are the clear orientation towards concrete learning goals and a thorough familiarization with the new technology. Simulation training based on XR expands the spectrum of existing simulation methods to integrate new dimensions of learning objectives. Further research on the effectiveness of this method is needed.