The Holographic Standardized Patient

Overview

The current pandemic has revealed in-person simulation training and evaluation is vulnerable to disruption, and alternatives are needed which allow remote evaluation. The recently developed Microsoft Hololens headset device allows interactable holograms to be inserted into a user's workspace (mixed reality) - permitting the augmentation of existing clinical and training spaces with holographic (i.e. virtual) patients via the prototype HoloSIM software. This study is the first known research initiative aiming to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of mixed reality for acute medicine training and assessment at a distance. Space, time, personnel, pandemic, and cost constraints limit opportunities for high-fidelity simulation exercises for post-graduate trainees at Sunnybrook. By developing and demonstrating the effectiveness of this new training modality, increased simulation exercises will lead to a higher quality education experience, better functioning teams, and better patient outcomes.

The study is the first known research initiative aiming to demonstrate that a mixed reality simulation training and assessment modality can be implemented in different clinical contexts and can improve decision making skills and management in a complex crisis scenario. The investigators hypothesize that a mixed reality simulation training solution is usable, feasible, and can improve decision making skills and management. It is a two stage study: 1) iteratively develop and usability test the HoloSIM software with acute care medicine specialties at Sunnybrook, and 2) determine if the HoloSIM platform is non-inferior to the current teaching and assessment standard of high-fidelity mannequin-based crisis simulation. The understanding is that this will be a first-of-its-kind study that will generate an accessible, easy to administer tool to educate residents and fellows. The presented HoloSIM software will allow teams to practice and assess their responses to a variety of scenarios in clinical environments such as the trauma bay and ICU. This has the potential to improve team function and enhance quality of care across the healthcare system. Healthcare facilities without expensive simulation centres are unable to participate in high-fidelity medical simulation. Inequities in access to high quality training and professional development have been repeatedly cited as a barrier to retention of rural health care providers. The SHSC simulation centre will adapt this approach and offer training at a distance and medical crisis coaching to rural health care providers utilizing the this mentioned platform. Lastly, all simulation resources developed during the project will be made freely available via the project website. Other institutions internationally may use them to improve their team performance, patient safety, and postgraduate education programs.