SkillsLab+ - Proof of Concept for Medical Augmented Reality Teaching Application with Haptic Feedback

The classic SkillsLab is a training environment in which medical students can train procedures, examinations, hand movements, therapy, and treatment on anatomically correct models or simulated body parts. This training takes place in a stress-free environment, as there is no responsibility, risk, or time pressure. In addition, detailed explanations and instructions are provided by medical experts. SkillsLab+ is a digitalized version of the classic SkillsLab and currently implemented as proof of concept. The course concept is transferred into an augmented reality application, which currently includes nine stations of approaches to medical teaching. These include, among others, the injection into an arm and clinical abdominal exam. The purpose of this application is to allow medical students to work on the learning content independently at their own pace and even from home. Furthermore, the additional integration of haptic gloves allows students to feel and touch virtual objects. A distinction between different surface structures such as hard bones or soft skin can be made via vibrational and force feedback. The evaluation of a user questionnaire shows that a majority of the students felt supported in the preparation and follow-up of the medical content and can imagine using SkillsLab+ in distance learning and in medical teaching to deepen their knowledge in the medical application field.