Virtual Reality and Haptic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Approaches: A Review

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide preventable with timely application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The American Heart Association CPR guidelines recently have an increased focus on quality of consistent chest compressions and highlighted the need for frequent refresher courses. Literature has shown that standard training manikins do not accurately represent human torso compression forces. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can simulate or enhance training environments and have shown promise for CPR training. Haptics is the touch element of virtual experiences and the literature has suggested that haptics can produce higher fidelity force feedback over standard training manikins. This review aims to determine the state of research of virtual and AR and haptic-enabled CPR training systems. VR approaches examined feedback, visual kinesthetic manipulation, and gamification. Systems using AR have examined the potential benefits of real-time feedback and quick reference. Haptic approaches have examined different mechanisms and design principles for reproducing realistic human CPR. Hybrid systems explore collaborative training and methods for immersion. These systems offer the potential for immersive training and realistic haptic rendering. However, to reach widespread adoption they must overcome the limitations of cost and mechanical complexity.