2024 | Adam Cheng, Nino Fijacko, Andrew Lockey, Robert Greif, Cristian Abelairas-Gomez, Lucija Gosak, Yiqun Lin, on behalf of the Education Implementation Team Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR)
A systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in resuscitation training compared to other instructional methods. The review included 19 studies published up to January 2024, focusing on basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) training. AR was used in four studies to provide real-time feedback during CPR, showing improved CPR performance compared to groups without feedback, but no difference when compared to other feedback sources. VR was explored in 15 studies, with most showing no significant difference between VR and other interventions or no difference in CPR skills.
Knowledge acquisition and retention were better with VR compared to traditional methods in some studies, but results were mixed. CPR depth, rate, and overall performance showed no significant differences between VR and control groups in most studies. VR-based training did not consistently improve CPR skill performance in real patients or patient survival rates.
VR provided immersive learning experiences, but results were mixed regarding its impact on knowledge acquisition. Studies showed that VR training did not consistently outperform traditional methods in CPR skills. AR-based feedback was not superior to other feedback sources like CPR devices or instructors. VR training lacked the ability to simulate chest wall compliance and forces required for effective CPR, which may explain its limited effectiveness.
The review found that AR and VR can support resuscitation training for laypeople and healthcare professionals, but current evidence does not clearly demonstrate consistent benefits over other training methods. Future research should explore the integration of AR and VR with other educational strategies and assess their impact on knowledge and skill retention. The study highlights the potential of immersive technologies in resuscitation education but notes the need for further research to determine their effectiveness.A systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in resuscitation training compared to other instructional methods. The review included 19 studies published up to January 2024, focusing on basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) training. AR was used in four studies to provide real-time feedback during CPR, showing improved CPR performance compared to groups without feedback, but no difference when compared to other feedback sources. VR was explored in 15 studies, with most showing no significant difference between VR and other interventions or no difference in CPR skills.
Knowledge acquisition and retention were better with VR compared to traditional methods in some studies, but results were mixed. CPR depth, rate, and overall performance showed no significant differences between VR and control groups in most studies. VR-based training did not consistently improve CPR skill performance in real patients or patient survival rates.
VR provided immersive learning experiences, but results were mixed regarding its impact on knowledge acquisition. Studies showed that VR training did not consistently outperform traditional methods in CPR skills. AR-based feedback was not superior to other feedback sources like CPR devices or instructors. VR training lacked the ability to simulate chest wall compliance and forces required for effective CPR, which may explain its limited effectiveness.
The review found that AR and VR can support resuscitation training for laypeople and healthcare professionals, but current evidence does not clearly demonstrate consistent benefits over other training methods. Future research should explore the integration of AR and VR with other educational strategies and assess their impact on knowledge and skill retention. The study highlights the potential of immersive technologies in resuscitation education but notes the need for further research to determine their effectiveness.