JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

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.

Methods:

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 on a voluntary basis. We randomized the participants into two groups according to the method of training instruction. The participants in the manual group used a printed manual and made a phone call for assistance, whereas those in the AR group were guided by AR-based instructions through a head-mounted device (HMD) and requested assistance with the HMD. We calculated the number of steps each participant successfully passed with and without assistance and compared the total score (100-point scale) between the two groups. The participants were also queried using a five-point scale with pre-developed questions regarding the educational experience.

Results:

In total, 30 participants completed the entire procedure with or without remote assistance. Fewer participants requested assistance in the AR group than in the manual group: seven (47.7 %) versus 14 (93.3 %), P=.02. The number of times assistance required was also lower in the AR group than that in the manual group (13 vs. 33, P=.004). The median (IQR) overall score without assistance was 91.43 (88.57–97.14) in the AR group and 88.57 (82.85–91.43) in the manual group (P=.10). The AR group rated higher in pre-developed questions for confidence [3 (2.50–4.00) vs. 2 (2.00–3.00), P=.01], suitability of method [4 (4.00–5.00) vs. 3 (3.00–3.50), P=.01], and whether they intended to recommend to others [4 (3.00–5.00) vs. 3 (2.00–3.00), P=.002].

Conclusions:

AR-based instructions to set up an mechanical ventilator were feasible in novices who had no prior experience with MV or AR. Additionally, participants in the AR group required lesser assistance compared with those in the manual group, resulting in higher confidence after training.