449 Creating a Neuroanatomy Education Model With Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Simulations of White Matter Tracts

INTRODUCTION: Crafting a dynamic and interactive three-dimensional (3D) learning tool holds the potential to deepen students' and residents' grasp of the intricate spatial relationships within diverse neuroanatomical structures, ultimately enhancing their comprehension of this complex subject. Electronic learning has steadily risen in prominence as an educational approach across disciplines, offering a wealth of customizable resources to cater to the diverse learning requirements of students. METHODS: Advanced photogrammetry techniques were employed to generate 3D models. These models served as the foundation for the development of VR and AR educational modules tailored to meet the learning objectives of neurosurgery residents and second-year medical students in Turkey, who faced interruptions in their cadaveric training due to an earthquake. Participants interacted with and assessed these VR and AR educational tools, after which they completed a 20-item graded survey to evaluate their user experience. Additionally, a 10-question mini-test was administered both before and after the training sessions to gauge participants' baseline knowledge and measure their attainment of learning objectives. RESULTS: Forty neurosurgery residents underwent training utilizing a VR-based educational model, facilitated by VR headsets. Concurrently, an AR-based educational model was made available online for practical neuroanatomy instruction to 200 second-year medical students. Residents achieved an average correct answer rate of 7.5 out of 10, while students scored 4.8 out of 10. Post-training assessments revealed significant improvements, with residents averaging 9.7 out of 10 and students achieving 8.7 out of 10 (p < 0.001). User feedback consistently highlighted the substantial enhancement in learning experiences afforded by virtual and augmented reality-based training in neuroanatomy. CONCLUSIONS: VR/AR-based educational models hold immense promise for enhancing education. These innovative training systems can complement traditional methods in neuroanatomy education, providing a lifelike alternative that enriches the learning experience.