Can mixed reality technologies teach surgical skills better than traditional methods? A prospective randomised feasibility study

BackgroundBasic surgical skills teaching is often delivered with didactic audio-visual content, and new digital technologies may allow more engaging and effective ways of teaching to be developed. The Microsoft HoloLens 2 (HL2) is a multi-functional mixed reality headset. This prospective feasibility study sought to assess the device as a tool for enhancing technical surgical skills training.MethodsA prospective randomised feasibility study was conducted. 36 novice medical students were trained to perform a basic arteriotomy and closure using a synthetic model. Participants were randomised to receive a structured surgical skills tutorial via a bespoke mixed reality HL2 tutorial (n = 18), or via a standard video-based tutorial (n = 18). Proficiency scores were assessed by blinded examiners using a validated objective scoring system and participant feedback collected.ResultsThe HL2 group showed significantly greater improvement in overall technical proficiency compared to the video group (10.1 vs. 6.89, p = 0.0076), and a greater consistency in skill progression with a significantly narrower range of scores (SD 2.48 vs. 4.03, p = 0.026). Participant feedback showed the HL2 technology to be more interactive and engaging with minimal device related problems experienced.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that mixed reality technology may provide a higher quality educational experience, improved skill progression and greater consistency in learning when compared to traditional teaching methodologies for basic surgical skills. Further work is required to refine, translate, and evaluate the scalability and applicability of the technology across a broad range of skills-based disciplines.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using Microsoft HoloLens 2 (HL2) as a tool for enhancing technical surgical skills training. A prospective feasibility study was conducted, with 36 novice medical students being trained using either a mixed reality HL2 tutorial or a standard video-based tutorial. The results showed that the HL2 group had significantly greater improvement in overall technical proficiency and a narrower range of scores, indicating better skill progression and consistency compared to the video group. Participant feedback also indicated higher satisfaction with the interactive and engaging nature of the HL2 technology.