Mixed Reality Enhanced Otolaryngology Case‐Based Learning: A Randomized Educational Study

Abstract

Introduction The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to medical education. Education in medical specialties, such as otolaryngology faces multiple challenges, including reduced bedside and “hands‐on” training opportunities at all levels. Educators are turning to technological advancements to deliver effective remote medical education. This study investigated the value of enhancing traditional remote case‐based teaching with the HoloLens2™. Methods We present a randomized educational design study. All educational content, media, and learning outcomes were identical. Primary outcome measures included student performance as measured with pre‐ and post‐intervention quizzes and student engagement as measured by a tally‐mark system. Secondary outcome measures, collected using feedback questionnaires, included perceived enjoyment, engagement, and opinions regarding the educational role of this technology. Results The undergraduate medical students were randomized to either conventional or HoloLens2™ enhanced remote case‐based teaching (n = 56). HoloLens2™ enhanced teaching improved student performance by an average of 3 marks of 15% (p < 0.001). It was engaging and encouraged questions 4‐fold per session (p < 0.05) when compared to conventional remote case‐based teaching. There was no significant difference in overall objective measurements of engagement. Students taught using HoloLens2™ agreed that the teaching was enjoyable, effective in concept demonstration, and encouraged engagement. Conclusions Remote teaching has allowed for the continuation of medical education in uncertain times. Beyond COVID‐19, we predict that there will be a paradigm shift toward remote learning as new technological advancements emerges. These novel technologies may prove invaluable in the future potentially enabling education to be delivered between different hospitals, universities, and even overseas. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 133:1606–1613, 2023

Virtual Reality in Medical Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic; A Systematic Review

“…Particularly, when used for medical students, following proper educational strategies, using experienced mentors, and extensive content with a wide variety of features, VR-based education can arguably be the method of choice for teaching during COVID-19 limitations (38, 51). Positive outcomes, bene ts for medical students, and professors, facilitation of the content transition, and improvement of the educational process, with VR-enhanced learning, are some of the most mentioned conclusions in the entered studies (29,35,42,43) Furthermore, increased students' engagement/participation, enjoyment, motivation, and focus were also frequently observed (28,32,41,43).…”

“…Collaboration and learning in groups to solve VR-based problems is a common motivator. More importantly, the ability for users or students to explore the virtual environments either alone or with the help of other classmates or instructors not only increases motivation but also increases the enjoyment (41,43).…”

“…VR is the most common device due to its availability, and ease of use, and can provide a variety of tools and options in different elds from behavioral science (42) to orthopedics surgery (34) in a virtual environment. On the other hand, MR and AR can combine the digital world with real life and can be used mostly in anatomy (30,43) to different elds like ward rounds (41), and emergency simulations (37).…”

In Reference to Mixed Reality Enhanced Otolaryngology Case‐Based Learning: A Randomized Educational Study

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It was our pleasure to read the article by Malik et al 1 who investigated the implementation of mixed reality (MR) in otolaryngology education. It was demonstrated that this teaching modality was beneficial for medical students' performance, and it was also positively perceived.

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Reply to Comment: MR Enhanced Otolaryngology Case‐Based Learning—A Randomized Educational Study

“…We thank Chytas et al for the response to our article and highlighting some important points of consideration going forward. 1,2 The technological ecosystem of immersive technologies in which Mixed reality (MR) and Augmented reality (AR) exist is rapidly progressing. 3 With this, definitions and descriptions of novel technologies often evolve and are at constant risk of becoming outdated and misunderstood.…”