Augmented Reality in Learning Anatomy: The TEACHANATOMY Randomized Cross-over Trial
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-25
SponsorBalgrist University Hospital
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Medical students attending the 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate medical education
Must not have prior anatomical education
Disqualifiers
Epilepsy
Binocular vision disorder such as strabismus
Current head and/or neck injuries
Inflammation of the scalp and/or eye
Trial design
Design model
Crossover
Treatments tested in this trial
learning with augmented reality
Other interventionStudy presentation: participants will be given a 10-minute general introduction on the study followed by a 20 minutes tutorial to introduce the HoloLens 2 and the TEACHANATOMY learning platform. * Study session: The study session consists of three learning blocks of approximately 20 minutes each, plus a repetition block to assess the acquired knowledge. During the study session participants will be given no time constraints and free breaks. * Assessment test: Participants will be assessed with a 30 minutes knowledge assessment test at the end of the study and after three months. * Final questionnaire: At the end of the study session participants will be given a questionnaire to assess adverse health symptoms and user experience.
learning with traditional methods
Other intervention* Study presentation: participants will be given a 10-minute general introduction on the study followed by a presentation to introduce the study session. * Study session: The study session consists of the learning resources most used by students: specific sections from four different neuroanatomy books, access to two websites, two 3D videos, and two online learning programs. During the study session participants will be given no time constraints and free breaks. * Assessment test: Participants will be assessed with a 30 minutes knowledge assessment test at the end of the study and after three months. * Final questionnaire: At the end of the study session participants will be given a questionnaire to assess adverse health symptoms and user experience
Treatment groups
300 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Shoulder anatomy with augmented reality (AR) , hips anatomy with traditional learning (TL)Experimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Traditional learning (TL) group.Active comparator 2 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
knowledge test
The primary outcome will consist of the score in the final theoretical and practical tests. The theoretical test consists of single and multiple-choice questions in which participants will be required to recognize and name the different anatomical structures of the hips or shoulder and their function. In the practical part, participants will be required to mark specific anatomical structures in a 3D-printed anatomical skull model. The duration of the test will be of approximately 30 minutes.
Time frame
immediately after the study session, day 1, and after three monthsSecondary outcomes
1
adverse health symptoms
Secondary outcomes will include adverse health symptoms, evaluated with a questionnaire to assess presence and severity of general symptoms (General discomfort, Fatigue, Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Concentration problems, Disorientation, Neck stiffness/neck pain, No symptoms) and eye-related symptoms (Blurred vision, Difficulty focusing, Double-vision, Dry eyes No symptoms). Presence and severity of symptoms will be rated on a Likert scale from 1 (almost imperceptible) to 10 (extreme).
Time frame
Immediately after the knowledge test, Day 12
User experience
User experience will be assessed using an adapted NASA Task Load Index (5 questions, range, 1-10, with lower scores indicating lower cognitive workload) plus additional 10-point Likert scale and open-ended questions in which participants will be asked to rank their comfort with the material and hardware and the teaching effectiveness of the software or of the traditional learning methods to learn anatomy
Time frame
Immediately after the Adverse health symptoms, Day 1Locations
Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Balgrist University Hospital
Lead sponsor
ETH Zurich
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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