Augmented Reality in Learning Anatomy: The TEACHANATOMY Randomized Cross-over Trial

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Augmented Reality
• Anatomy Education

Interventions

OTHER

learning with augmented reality

Study 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.

OTHER

learning with traditional methods

* 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• ETH Zurich

  collaborator OTHER

• Balgrist University Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Lukas Zingg, MD · Balgrust University Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-01

Primary Completion

2024-12-31

Completion

2025-12-31