Augmented Reality in Learning Anatomy: The TEACHANATOMY Randomized Cross-over Trial
NCT Number: NCT06552195
Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
Phases: NA
Conditions: Augmented Reality|Anatomy Education
Interventions: OTHER: learning with augmented reality|OTHER: learning with traditional methods
Sponsor: Balgrist University Hospital
Collaborators: ETH Zurich
Sex: ALL
Age: ADULT
Enrollment: 300
Study Design: Allocation: RANDOMIZED|Intervention Model: CROSSOVER|Masking: SINGLE (OUTCOMES_ASSESSOR)|Primary Purpose: OTHER
Start Date: 2024-10-01
Completion Date: 2025-12-31

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.

Primary Outcome Measures: knowledge test, The primary outcome will consist of the score in the final theoretical and practical tests. The theoretical test consists of single and multiple-choice questions in which participants will be required to recognize and name the different anatomical structures of the hips or shoulder and their function. In the practical part, participants will be required to mark specific anatomical structures in a 3D-printed anatomical skull model. The duration of the test will be of approximately 30 minutes., immediately after the study session, day 1, and after three months
Secondary Outcome Measures: adverse health symptoms, Secondary outcomes will include adverse health symptoms, evaluated with a questionnaire to assess presence and severity of general symptoms (General discomfort, Fatigue, Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Concentration problems, Disorientation, Neck stiffness/neck pain, No symptoms) and eye-related symptoms (Blurred vision, Difficulty focusing, Double-vision, Dry eyes No symptoms). Presence and severity of symptoms will be rated on a Likert scale from 1 (almost imperceptible) to 10 (extreme)., Immediately after the knowledge test, Day 1|User experience, User experience will be assessed using an adapted NASA Task Load Index (5 questions, range, 1-10, with lower scores indicating lower cognitive workload) plus additional 10-point Likert scale and open-ended questions in which participants will be asked to rank their comfort with the material and hardware and the teaching effectiveness of the software or of the traditional learning methods to learn anatomy, Immediately after the Adverse health symptoms, Day 1