Impact of Input and Output Devices on a Virtual Ultrasound Training

Performing ultrasound requires mental skills that have to be trained hands on. Virtual simulations can be employed to provide novice surgeons with a safe training environment prior to performing ultrasound on the patient. For both input and output there is a wide range of devices that are used in existing ultrasound simulations. Because the devices have their limitations and benefits regarding realism, costs, and access, we compared three technical setups: desktop with mouse interaction, desktop with a haptic device, and virtual reality with a haptic device. In a user study with 19 participants we investigated the usability and assessed qualitative user feedback in a semi-structured interview. Significant differences regarding usability and training time were found between both versions with the haptic device and the desktop with mouse version. Based on the feedback, using a haptic device seems to be more relevant than the two output devices in this training case.