JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Septic shock is a low frequency but high stakes condition in children requiring prompt resuscitation, thus making it an important target for simulation based education.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to 1) design and implement an augmented reality (AR) application (PediSepsisAR) for septic shock simulation; 2) test the feasibility of measuring timing and volume of fluid administration during septic shock simulation with and without PediSepsisAR; 3) describe PediSepsisAR as an educational tool. We hypothesized that we could feasibly measure our desired data during simulation in 90% of participants.

Methods:

We performed a randomized controlled feasibility trial with a convenience sample of pediatric providers at a large tertiary-care pediatric center. Participants completed a pre-study questionnaire and were randomized to either the PediSepsisAR or control (traditional simulation) arms. We measured participants’ rate of administration of 20 cc/kg, 40 cc/kg, and 60 cc/kg IV fluids during a septic shock simulation using each modality. Participants in the PediSepsisAR arm completed a post-study questionnaire. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and a Wilcoxson Rank Sum test to compare median time to event variables between groups.

Results:

We enrolled 50 participants with 25 in each arm. The timing and volume of fluid administration was captured in 100% of participants. There was no statistically significant difference in time to administration of IV fluids between the two groups. Most participants in the PediSepsisAR group reported that PediSepsisAR enhanced their awareness of the patient’s perfusion.

Conclusions:

We developed an AR application for use in pediatric septic shock simulation and demonstrated the feasibility of measuring volume and timing of fluid administration during simulation using this modality. Our findings suggest AR’s promise as an educational tool, particularly for teaching about shock states.