The use of virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation: a scoping review

Abstract

Background and objective Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been proposed as novel methods to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance and increase engagement with CPR training. A scoping review was conducted to map the global evolution of these new approaches to CPR training, to assess their efficacy and determine future directions to meet gaps in current knowledge. Methods A standardised five-stage scoping methodology was used to (1) identify the research question, (2) identify relevant studies, (3) select the studies, (4) chart the data and (5) summarise the findings. The Kirkpatrick model levels of evidence were used to chart and assess the efficacy of each intervention reported. A multi-pronged search term strategy was used to search the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases up to June 2020. Results A total of 42 articles were included in this review. The first relevant paper identified was published in 2009 and based on VR, from 2014 onwards there was a large increase in the volume of work being published regarding VR and AR uses in CPR training. This review reports Kirkpatrick level one to three evidence for the use of VR/AR–CPR. Inconsistencies in the specific language, keywords used and methodologies are highlighted. Conclusion VR and AR technologies have shown great potential in the area of CPR, and there is continuing evidence of new novel applications and concepts. As VR/AR research into CPR reaches an inflection point, it is key to bring collaboration and consistency to the wider research community, to enable the growth of the area and ease of access to the wider medical community.

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

“…That is in line with a recent review that evaluated VR to improve CPR training, which concluded that this field was both diverse and immature. [ 13 ]…”

“…[ 14 ] A new field to study is the evaluation of CPR education in laypersons, as limited high-quality data from very heterogeneous designed studies prone to biases exist. [ 13 ] Therefore, CPR education research shall not only limit their focus on educational outcomes and results, but equal efforts need to be made to investigate education strategies that lead to improved patient outcomes after a cardiac arrest, which is still the highest priority.…”

“…However, many new technologies for teaching CPR have become available in recent years and have been shown to overcome these limitations. [ 13 ] But their actual impact on teaching and learning is not very clear. [ 14 ] An ILCOR CoSTR evidence update supports the idea that simulation-based education of resuscitation in situ (directly at the workplace of individuals), or in a dedicated simulation center, may be included within the continuous education programs of life support courses.…”

Virtual reality-based training for mental health staff: a novel approach to increase empathy, compassion, and subjective understanding of service user experience

“…Evidence indicates it is convenient, engaging, and interactive [ 10 ]. VR has been shown to be effective across a range of healthcare settings and has the potential to deliver crucial empathy-building learning for frontline mental health staff due to its immersiveness, which provides direct and realistic, first-hand experiences [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Comparison of extended reality and conventional methods of basic life support training: protocol for a multinational, pragmatic, noninferiority, randomised clinical trial (XR BLS trial)

“…Virtual reality (VR) technology designed to maximise immersion has been shown to be able to overcome these limitation s[ 6 ]. Nas et al reported a comparable chest compression rate but inferior compression depth with VR CPR training compared to conventional face-to-face training [ 7 ].…”