A Novel Scenario-Based, Mixed-Reality Platform for Training Non-Technical Skills of Battlefield First Aid: A Prospective Interventional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Du Wenqiong , Zhong Xin , Jia Yijun , Jiang Renqing , Yang Haoyang , Ye Zhao , Zong Zhaowen 
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Although battlefield first-aid (BFA) training shares many common features with civilian training such as the need to address technical skills and non-technical skills (NTSs), it is more highly scenario-dependent. Studies into extended reality (XR) show clear benefits in medical training; however, the training effects of XR on NTSs, including teamwork and decision-making in BFA, have not been fully proven.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to create and test a scenario-based, mixed-reality platform suitable for training NTSs in BFA.

METHODS

First, using next-generation modeling technology and an animation synchronization system, a 10-person offensive battle drill was established. Decision-making training software addressing basic principles of tactical combat casualty care was constructed and integrated into the scenarios with Unreal Engine 4. Large space teamwork and virtual interaction systems that made sense in the proposed platform were developed. Unreal Engine 4 and software engineering technology were used to combine modules to establish a mixed-reality BFA training platform. A total of 20 Grade-4 medical students were recruited to accept BFA training with the platform. Pre-training and post-training tests were carried out in two forms to evaluate the training effectiveness: one was knowledge acquisition regarding the NTSs, and another was a real-world, scenario-based test. In addition, the students were asked to rate their agreement with a series of survey items on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

A battlefield geographic environment, tactical scenarios, scenario-based decision software, large space teamwork, and virtual interaction system modules were successfully developed and combined to establish the mixed-reality training platform for BFA. The post-training score of the students’ knowledge acquisition was significantly higher than that of pre-training (t=−12.114, P≤0.001). Furthermore, the NTSs score and the total score that the students obtained in the real-world test were significantly higher than those before training (t=−17.756 and t=−21.354, respectively, P≤0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the scores of technical skills that the students obtained before and after training. Post-training survey revealed that the students found the platform helpful in improving NTSs for BFA, and they were confident in applying BFA skills after training. However, most trainees thought that the platform was not helpful to improve the technical skills of BFA, and 45% of the trainees were not satisfied with the simulation effect.

CONCLUSIONS

A scenario-based, mixed-reality platform was constructed in this study. In this platform, interaction of the movement of multiplayers in a large space and the interaction of decision-making by the trainees between the real world and the virtual world were accomplished. The platform could improve the NTSs of BFA. Future works, including improvement of the simulation effects and development a training platform that could effectively improve both technical and NTSs of BFA, will be carried out.

CLINICALTRIAL

Non-applicable.