AR/VR Technology Set to Transform Medical Training

Virtual and augmented reality (AR and VR), which are collectively extended reality (XR) technologies, are becoming vital tools for industry and academic institutions to train employees and students. In medical training, edtech XR technologies are being used to deliver immersive learning experiences, with clear benefits such as greatly improved immersion of the content and knowledge retention.

Whilst this may have been considered science fiction only a few decades ago, these technologies are completely transforming in our ability to teach medical material. From initial diagnosis to medical test visualizations, medical treatments to new therapies, XR experiences are dramatically transforming medical learning and, in particular, surgical training.

XR: A Perfect Fit for Medical Training

A key benefit of using AR/VR in surgical training is the ease of recording specialized content for sharing with a large audience, that was previously not possible.

Using XR, there is a decreased reliance on using patients as surgical subjects to create truly engaging learning experiences. Training learners in invasive surgery using traditional techniques can require significant precious resources, time and care to ensure that trainees are comfortable with the practice, given the nature of their work. XR transforms this, as surgeons can record content on executing medical procedures from a camera on their headset for viewing at a later time, and in one take. It’s critical for employees to learn this material in the operating room itself, or, as the next best thing, in an environment that emulates the operating room, which XR delivers.

Greater Flexibility

While the list of sectors and industries where XR can be used is extensive, it also offers learners and businesses more options in the way in which training can be delivered.

XR interactive live streaming, for example, provides a fantastic way for remote users to visit a real place, in real-time and from anywhere. Learners can feel like they are visiting their chosen location, whether it be a warehouse, a hospital or an office, while being guided by a real person in real-time. This allows learners to interact with objects and people, elevating the learning experience and leading to greater knowledge retention.

Aside from live-streaming solutions, XR can be delivered through multiple channels, aided by devices which are readily available to learners. XR can be accessed through a website, or a learning management system, and across any head-mounted display (HMD) and/or personal device. This opens a world of possibilities for learners who don’t have to be restricted to learning in a designated location. Learners have a greater suite of options when it comes to accessing material, offering greater flexibility for accessing training when, where and how they want it.

Using XR in Overlaying Imagery for Surgical Training

Its benefits of XR really come to the fore when we consider that live 3D content, consistent with minimally invasive surgery, can be made available on VR platforms, effectively offering users 3D vision. This type of learning directly complements simulation training, which is also becoming more realistic. This quality of immersion is game changing as it reinforces quality decision-making and decreases the cognitive burden, meaning that that users can have the same stereoscopic view as the operating surgeon on a robotic console.