Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering (Sep 2023)
SkillsLab+ - Digitization of the Otoscopy Station through State of the Art Methods of Augmented Reality
Abstract
The paper discusses SkillsLab+, a medical augmented reality application developed to digitize the practical course SkillsLab. This application provides medical students with a digital tool to learn and apply practical hand movements, initial treatment, and diagnostic techniques. The otoscopy station, one of the stations in SkillsLab+, allows students to learn the correct use of otoscope inserts and perform case discrimination. The digitization of this station provides several advantages over traditional teaching methods. The implementation of the application with the Unreal Engine on the Magic Leap One headset is discussed. The application is modular, allowing the addition of new stations with ease. Anatomically correct models and 3D models of diagnostic tools provide the necessary realism and precision for the application. Learning and exam modes have been included in the application to enhance the learning experience. The evaluation of the application was conducted using a questionnaire completed by 79 bachelor and master students from the fields of medical informatics and digital biomedicine and health sciences. On average, 54.25% of students had a positive response to the digital otoscopy station in the SkillsLab+ application, while 22.71% had a negative response. The questionnaire results indicated that the digitization of the otoscopy station through augmented reality in the SkillsLab+ application was well-received by the students. The SkillsLab+ application digitizes the practical course SkillsLab and offers several advantages over traditional teaching methods. It provides students with a digital tool to learn and apply practical hand movements, initial treatment, and diagnostic techniques. The otoscopy station in SkillsLab+ allows students to learn the correct use of otoscope inserts and perform case discrimination. The digitization of this station provides students with a digital tool that can be used anywhere, any number of times. The evaluation of the application using a questionnaire showed that the application was well received by the students.
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