Adapting Novel Augmented Reality Devices for Patient Simulations in Medical Education

Extended reality (XR) simulations are becoming increasingly common in educational settings, particularly in medical education. Advancing XR devices to enhance these simulations is a booming field of research. This study seeks to understand the value of a novel, non-wearable mixed reality (MR) display during interactions with a simulated holographic patient, specifically in taking a medical history. Twenty-one first-year medical students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill participated in the virtual patient (VP) simulations. On a five-point Likert scale, students overwhelmingly agreed with the statement that the simulations helped ensure they were progressing along learning objectives related to taking a patient history. However, they found that, at present, the simulations can only partially correct mistakes or provide clear feedback. This finding demonstrates that the novel hardware solution can help students engage in the activity, but the underlying software may need adjustment to attain sufficient pedagogical validity.