Augmented Reality in Learning Anatomy: The TEACHANATOMY Randomized Cross-over Trial

Balgrist University Hospital

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Augmented Reality; Anatomy Education

Treatments: Other: learning with augmented reality; Other: learning with traditional methods

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06552195

TEACHANATOMY 2.0

Details and patient eligibility

About

Cadaver use in anatomy education is undergoing several limitations in many universities, due to high costs, time constraints and supply difficulties. As alternatives to cadaver dissections, new teaching methods based on visual technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), are being implemented worldwide.

Augmented reality (AR), based on virtual interactive 3-dimensional elements (holograms) overlaid in the real-world, represents a promising alternative to explore the human body. In this study, we will test the efficacy of AR as an alternative teaching method in anatomy education by comparing traditional learning methods based on 2-dimensional (2D) images, videos, and online learning programs with the novel AR learning module The primary endpoint will consist of the score in the final theoretical and practical knowledge tests, assessed at two timepoints: immediately after the study session and after 3 months.

Secondary endpoints will include adverse health symptoms and user experience, assessed immediately after the study session.

Full description

Cadaver use in anatomy education is undergoing several limitations in many universities, due to high costs, time constraints and supply difficulties. As alternatives to cadaver dissections, new teaching methods based on visual technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), are being implemented worldwide.

Augmented reality (AR), based on virtual interactive 3-dimensional elements (holograms) overlaid in the real-world, represents a promising alternative to explore the human body. In this study, we will test the efficacy of AR as an alternative teaching method in anatomy education. Our hypothesis is that learning with AR is more efficient than traditional learning methods.

Preparation: We will prepare 2 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens to allow visualization of anatomical structure of the shoulder and hips. The cadavers will be obtained from a human body donated for university teaching activities. Using a digital single-lens reflex camera, we will acquire several images. These images will be then converted into a 3D model by the ROCS team at Balgrist University Hospital and optimized for use with the Magic Leap AR headset.

Procedure: Participants (approx. 300) will be randomly assigned to the AR or the traditional learning (TL) group. Each participant will learn one anatomy module with traditional learning methods, which will include books, access to websites, 3D videos, and online learning programs, and one module with the AR-based learning program. The two modules will be administered approximately 3 weeks apart.

Group A: Shoulder anatomy with traditional learning methods and hips anatomy with AR based 3D program.

Group B: Shoulder anatomy with AR based 3D program and hips anatomy with traditional learning methods.

The primary endpoint will consist of the score in the final theoretical and practical anatomy tests, assessed at two timepoints: immediately after the study session and after 3 months.

Secondary endpoints include adverse health symptoms, assessed with a Likert scale survey, and user experience, evaluated using an adapted NASA Task Load Index scale plus additional questions.

Enrollment: 300 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Medical students attending the 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate medical education
• Must not have prior anatomical education

Exclusion criteria

• Epilepsy
• Binocular vision disorder such as strabismus
• Current head and/or neck injuries
• Inflammation of the scalp and/or eye
• Amputations or partial amputations of the hands

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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300 participants in 2 patient groups

Shoulder anatomy with augmented reality (AR) , hips anatomy with traditional learning (TL)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants first learn the shoulder anatomy with AR. After a washout period of three weeks, they will learn the hips anatomy with traditional Learning (TL) methods

Treatment:

Other: learning with traditional methods

Other: learning with augmented reality

Traditional learning (TL) group.

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants first learn the shoulder anatomy with Traditional learning methods. After a washout period of three weeks, they will learn the hips anatomy with augmented reality (AR)

Treatment:

Other: learning with traditional methods

Other: learning with augmented reality