Efficiency of virtual reality for cardiopulmonary resuscitation training of adult laypersons: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an interesting and promising way to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to adult laypersons as its high immersive characteristics could improve the level of skills and acquired knowledge in learning basic life support (BLS). Methods: This systematic review assesses current literature about BLS training with VR and its possible effect on CPR-quality parameters, self-efficacy, perceived learning, and learners’ satisfaction and short and long-term patients’ outcome. We screened the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and included only clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published from inception to October 1, 2021, which analyzed adult laypersons’ BLS training with the use of VR. Primary outcomes were CPR parameters (chest compression rate and depth, Automated External Defibrillator use). Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy, perceived learning and learners satisfaction, and patients’ outcomes (survival and good neurologic status). The risk of bias of included study was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions tool to evaluate randomized control trials and the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs checklist for nonrandomized studies. Results: After full article screening, 6 studies were included in the systematic review (731 participants) published between 2017 and 2021. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, we focused on describing the studies rather than meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of evidence revealed overall a very low quality. Training with VR significantly improved the rate and depth of chest compressions in 4 out of 6 articles. VR was described as an efficient teaching method, exerting a positive effect on self-efficacy, perception of confidence, and competence in 2 articles. Conclusion: VR in BLS training improves manual skills and self-efficacy of adult laypersons and may be a good teaching method in a blended learning CPR training strategy. VR may add another way to divide complex parts of resuscitation training into easier individual skills. However, the conclusion of this review suggests that VR may improve the quality of the chest compressions as compared to instructor-led face-to-face BLS training.

Virtual Reality for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Healthcare Professionals Training: A Systematic Review

“…The research in the field of VR CPR has been established in the last ten years, with 15 studies, including 1,035 total participants and conducted in almost all continents, suggesting that these educational strategies can be ubiquitarian and considered also by lower-income countries. As documented in a recent systematic review, VR CPR training among adult laypersons has instead been investigated by only six studies involving a total of 731 participants between 2017 and 2021 [ 10 ].…”

“…First, the substantial infancy of this research field may have prevented any evaluation on patient outcomes, requiring complex study designs and long follow-ups. Also, in the review concerning lay people, a few studies have investigated the association of the educational interventions with patients’ outcomes after cardiac arrest, both in the short and long term [ 10 ]. However, given that the main aims of the CPR training, regardless of the methods, is to improve health outcomes, this lack should be addressed in the future to assess the VR role in this training field.…”

“…Moreover, spaces and resources required are limited given that it can be received anywhere, even at home [ 9 ]. However, while the use of VR in the basic CPR training of lay adults has been summarized recently regarding its capacity to improve skills [ 10 ], no summary of the evidence available concerning VR CPR training among HCPs has been provided to date. Therefore, the intent of this study was to describe the state of the research in this field and detect whether VR CPR training or retraining can have benefits for patients, HCPs and the health-care system.…”

Impact of training schoolchildren how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation using stories and animated cartoons

“…Muchas de las iniciativas actuales se centran en el uso de la tecnología cómo vídeos 22 , videojuegos formativos 26 o realidad virtual 27 . Mediante este trabajo hemos podido demostrar que el uso de recursos no tecnológicos puede ser igualmente eficiente.…”

Augmented reality training in basic life support with the help of smart glasses. A pilot study

“… 4 The use of technology in BLS training programs can, for example, promote better resuscitation learning with the real-time feedback system, 6 make learning more attractive, or make it possible for teaching to reach more remote places with telematic training. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 …”