Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Application in Pharmacy Schools Implemented in Pharmaceutical Compounding Laboratories: Students’ Benefits and Reception

Abstract

Background: Augmented reality (AR) is a technological approach which combines virtual objects such as text, pictures or videos with physical objects (real-world). The study aimed to design, implement and validate a mobile-based AR application, as a self-paced, interactive, student-centered learning tool be used in the pharmaceutical compounding laboratory course for first year pharmacy students. Method: A mobile-based AR application (Amplified Rx app; HeyPayLess Inc) compatible with iOS and android operating system was developed. A cross-over study design was conducted where alternatively, one group was subjected to ARx app implementation in 8 formulations and the other group served as control. The reception and benefits to students were assessed via a 10 questions survey. In this case, 69 (2019) and 55 (2020) students participated in the study. Result: Students’ use of ARx app was increased in 2020 which indicates its usefulness. For acceptability, leaners enjoyed interactive materials and tutorial videos were the most used and appealing item. Learners described the installation, scanning and operation to be very easy in both years. 86.95% of learners were confident conducting the experiments with the assistance of ARx app in 2019 and increased to 92.73% in 2020. 33.33% considered ARx app to be the most helpful resource in 2019, and the percent was significantly increased to 76.36% in 2020. Conclusion: AR technology implementation in pharmaceutical education could create student-centered engaging and interactive learning experience in fundamental areas such as pharmaceutical compounding laboratories.

Design and Usability Testing of an Augmented Reality (AR) Environment in Pharmacy Education—Presenting a Pilot Study on Comparison between AR Smart Glasses and a Mobile Device in a Laboratory Course

“…Dunleavy et al [76] argue that the most significant limitation with AR technology exists in the stage of development of nascent software and the managerial complexity of the implementation process. In addition, the compatibility with different mobile devices is still an issue for certain AR applications [71], noted also by Nounou et al [45].…”

“…Students saw the AR environment as a useful supplementary tool, but they did not wish AR to completely replace traditional laboratory teaching and instruction, despite the fact that the current generation of students is familiar with advanced technologies [3]. In addition, a study by Nounou et al [45] supported the benefit of AR mobile application in a pharmaceutical compounding course. Furthermore, smart glasses and mobile devices have shown the potential in knowledge of human organ systems and physiology [53].…”

“…However, many students in this study thought that having more interactive features embedded within the AR environment would be valuable in terms of learning. Similar additions, such as pop-up buttons providing information [3], audio files [43] or multiplechoice conceptual questions [56] and video-materials [45] have been suggested for AR tools to support laboratory teaching.…”

“…For the purposes of pharmacy laboratory work, only one prototype tool utilizing AR smart glasses has been described, with its focus on the medication preparation process at a hospital [44]. In addition, a mobile-based AR application has been described to assist in the pharmaceutical compounding laboratories [45]. However, no AR technology oriented towards teaching pharmacy laboratory work has been described that would be suitable for both smart glasses and mobile devices in the university context.…”

Prospects of augmented reality and virtual reality for online education: a scientometric view

“…Teachers reported that using these technologies has increased student engagement, interaction, cognitive skills and social skills (Alblehai, F.M., 2022; Lamo et al ., 2022; Zholaushievna et al ., 2022). Moreover, students also reported high retention and better learning experience when using AR and VR (Baabdullah et al ., 2022; Nounou et al ., 2022; Monfared et al ., 2022). Thus, it can be clearly inferred that the transformation of learning modalities has benefitted all the main stakeholders of the education industry.…”