Mixed reality (MR) technology has the potential to enhance the disaster preparedness of medical first responders in mass-casualty incidents through new training methods. In this manuscript, we present an MR training solution based on requirements collected from experienced medical first responders and technical experts, regular end-user feedback received through the iterative design process used to develop a prototype and feedback from two initial field trials. We discuss key features essential for an effective MR training system, including flexible scenario design, added realism through patient simulator manikins and objective performance assessment. Current technological challenges such as the responsiveness of avatars and the complexity of smart scenario control are also addressed, along with the future potential for integrating artificial intelligence. Furthermore, an advanced analytics and statistics tool that incorporates complex data integration, machine learning for data analysis and visualization techniques for performance evaluation is presented. 

NextGen Training for Medical First Responders: Advancing Mass-Casualty Incident Preparedness through Mixed Reality Technology

Although stressors are frequently linked to several negative health outcomes, experiencing stressors may be necessary for enhancing performance. At present, the literature is lacking a unified, comprehensive framework that accounts for both positive and negative outcomes following stressors. Therefore, we introduce the framework of hormesis, which has been applied in biological research for decades. According to hormesis, small-to-medium doses of a stressor can stimulate an organism's response, while large doses cause detrimental effects. In this article, we argue that these dose-response dynamics can be found in various domains of performance psychology (i.e., eustress and distress, psychological momentum, emotions, motivation, confidence, cognitive performance, training, skill acquisition, adversity, and trauma). Furthermore, hormesis also accounts for the inter- and intra-individual variability commonly found in responses to stressors. Finally, from an applied perspective, leveraging hormesis may stimulate new psychological interventions that mimic the well-known effects of (toxic) vaccinations at the level of behavior. 

Adaptation to stressors: Hormesis as a framework for human performance

This paper highlights the significance of Extended Reality (XR) technology as a crucial component of future first responder (FR) training to address the challenges faced by Europe in maintaining public safety and peace. XR, which includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), offers unique opportunities to enhance FR training. We present a mapping of specific training goals to different XR solutions, categorizing them based on immersion level and extent of world knowledge. We discuss the benefits of XR, while also acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations. Lastly, we discuss the main future developments we deem to be crucial for the field. With this, we hope to foster a common understanding of terminology, needs and future directions between end-users, researchers and tech-providers. 

XR for First Responders: Concepts, Challenges and Future Potential of Immersive Training

The rising occurrence of natural and human-made disasters emphasises the urgent need for effective training of medical first responders (MFRs). Virtual Reality (VR) has recently been used to enhance traditional MFR training. However, to ensure that VR training improves disaster preparedness, it is not only crucial for MFR stakeholders to actively participate in the design process. It may also be beneficial to place the co-design process in VR so that novice co-designers establish a profound, hands-on understanding of VR as a training tool. Thus, we introduce the Collaborative Scenario Builder (CSB), a prototype for MFRs without technical and designerly expertise with which to co-design scenarios for virtual simulation training in VR. An evaluation with 33 MFR participants indicates that CSB is usable and provides participants with an embodied understanding of VR, leading to new perspectives in their collaborative design considerations. Thus, CSB contributes to a co-design workflow with MFR co-designers that ensures that created VR training tools are needed and beneficial for MFRs so that they can provide better aid to people in the face of disasters. 

Collaborative Scenario Builder: A VR Co-Design Tool for Medical First Responders

Abstract Background Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is the gold standard of initial assessment of trauma patients and therefore a widely used training program for medical professionals. Practical application of the knowledge taught can be challenging for medical students and inexperienced clinicians. Simulation-based training, including virtual reality (VR), has proven to be a valuable adjunct to real-world experiences in trauma education. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR simulations for surgical and technical skills training. However, there is limited evidence on VR simulation training specifically for trauma education, particularly within the ATLS curriculum. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptance of using a fully immersive VR trauma simulation to prepare medical students for the ATLS course. Methods This was a prospective randomised controlled pilot study on a convenience sample of advanced medical students ( n = 56; intervention group with adjunct training using a commercially available semi-automated trauma VR simulation, n = 28, vs control group, n = 28) taking part in the ATLS course of the Military Physician Officer School. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating factors related to technical factors of the VR training (e.g. rate of interruptions and premature termination). Objective and subjective effectiveness was assessed using confidence ratings at four pre-specified points in the curriculum, validated surveys, clinical scenario scores, multiple choice knowledge tests, and ATLS final clinical scenario and course pass rates. Acceptance was measured using validated instruments to assess variables of media use (Technology acceptance, usability, presence and immersion, workload, and user satisfaction). Results The feasibility assessment demonstrated that only one premature termination occurred and that all remaining participants in the intervention group correctly stabilised the patient. No significant differences between the two groups in terms of objective effectiveness were observed ( p = 0.832 and p = 0.237 for the pretest and final knowledge test, respectively; p = 0.485 for the pass rates for the final clinical scenario on the first attempt; all participants passed the ATLS course). In terms of subjective effectiveness, the authors found significantly improved confidence post-VR intervention ( p &lt; .001) in providing emergency care using the ATLS principles. Perceived usefulness in the TEI was stated with a mean of 4 (SD 0.8; range 0–5). Overall acceptance and usability of the VR simulation was rated as positive (System Usability Scale total score mean 79.4 (SD 11.3, range 0–100). Conclusions The findings of this prospective pilot study indicate the potential of using VR trauma simulations as a feasible and acceptable supplementary tool for the ATLS training course. Where objective effectiveness regarding test and scenario scores remained unchanged, subjective effectiveness demonstrated improvement. Future research should focus on identifying specific scenarios and domains where VR can outperform or enhance traditional learning methods in trauma simulation. 

pdf/virtual-reality-simulation-to-enhance-advanced-trauma-life-bhfprykfw1.pdf

Virtual reality simulation to enhance advanced trauma life support trainings – a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Adequate training and preparation of medical first responders (MFRs) are essential for an optimal performance in highly demanding situations like disasters (e.g., mass accidents, natural catastrophes). The training needs to be as effective as possible, because precise and effective behavior of MFRs under stress is central for ensuring patients’ survival and recovery. This systematic review offers an overview of scientifically evaluated training methods used to prepare MFRs for disasters. It identifies different effectiveness indicators and provides an additional analysis of how and to what extent the innovative training technologies virtual (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are included in disaster training research. Methods The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and focused specifically on (quasi-)experimental studies published between January 2010 and September 2021. The literature search was conducted via Web of Science and PubMed and led to the inclusion of 55 articles. Results The search identified several types of training, including traditional (e.g., lectures, real-life scenario training) and technology-based training (e.g., computer-based learning, educational videos). Most trainings consisted of more than one method. The effectiveness of the trainings was mainly assessed through pre-post comparisons of knowledge tests or self-reported measures although some studies also used behavioral performance measures (e.g., triage accuracy). While all methods demonstrated effectiveness, the literature indicates that technology-based methods often lead to similar or greater training outcomes than traditional trainings. Currently, few studies systematically evaluated immersive VR and MR training. Conclusion To determine the success of a training, proper and scientifically sound evaluation is necessary. Of the effectiveness indicators found, performance assessments in simulated scenarios are closest to the target behavior during real disasters. For valid yet inexpensive evaluations, objectively assessible performance measures, such as accuracy, time, and order of actions could be used. However, performance assessments have not been applied often. Furthermore, we found that technology-based training methods represent a promising approach to train many MFRs repeatedly and efficiently. These technologies offer great potential to supplement or partially replace traditional training. Further research is needed on those methods that have been underrepresented, especially serious gaming, immersive VR, and MR. 

/pdf/preparing-medical-first-responders-for-crises-a-systematic-2z53771e.pdf

Preparing medical first responders for crises: a systematic literature review of disaster training programs and their effectiveness

Sleep problems and stress are common among students and are associated with negative effects on academic performance as well as mental and physical health risks, but studies exploring mediating factors between stress and sleep on a daily basis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of daily stress, Bedtime procrastination (BP) (i.e., postponing bedtime without external reasons), and sleep outcomes controlling for trait factors such as self-control. N = 96 students at a German university (M = 22.2 years, SD = 4.0) wore a sleep-tracking wearable (Fitbit Charge HR) for two weeks to assess sleep duration and to calculate the gap between the intended time to go to sleep and the objectively measured time of falling asleep. Stress, intended time to go to sleep, and sleep quality were assessed via daily diaries. Established questionnaires were used to measure trait self-control, trait BP, and smartphone addiction. Multilevel analyses indicated that more stress experienced during the day was associated with more BP (b = 2.32, p = 0.008), shorter sleep duration (b = -3.46, p = 0.003), and lower sleep quality (b = 1.03, p = 0.005) after controlling for several trait factors. The association of daily stress with sleep outcomes (quality and duration) was partly mediated by BP. Our findings indicate that BP might be one factor that contributes to stress-linked decreases in sleep duration and quality. Potential reasons for stress-related later time to fall asleep-like higher physiological arousal or stress-related worries-should be investigated in future studies.

Postponing sleep after a stressful day: Patterns of stress, bedtime procrastination, and sleep outcomes in a daily diary approach.

Introduction: The occurrence of mass casualty incidents is increasing globally. Training is an essential cornerstone in achieving disaster preparedness, yet studies show that medical first responders perceive their level of readiness to face disaster incidents as inadequate. As real-world disaster training exercises can be characterized as resource-intensive in terms of cost and time, virtual training environments have been highlighted as a potential alternative to mass casualty incident training. In order to increase the preparedness of medical first responders, a deeper understanding of their requirements in the context of disaster training exercises is needed. Method: Individual, contextual interviews were conducted with a total of 26 medical first responders from four European emergency service organizations: Hellenic Rescue Team (Greece), Summa 112 (Spain), Sanitätspolizei Bern (Switzerland), and Johanniter Österreich (Austria). The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The preliminary results indicate that real-world disaster training exercises have limitations regarding realism. The participants described a need to train in an environment that accurately represents what they might face amidst a real-world incident site. This included the recreation of potential environmental dangers that had to be taken into consideration before approaching the incident site. The participants also highlighted the importance of realistic representations of injuries and reactions from the victims during training. The limited possibilities to provide a realistic training environment that corresponds to the set requirements lead to the participants feeling less prepared to face a real-world mass casualty incident. Conclusion: Medical first responders’ need for increased realism in real-world disaster training exercises deserves attention. Training solutions that could potentially increase the level of preparedness needs to be taken into consideration. How the degree of realism in Virtual or Mixed Reality based training platforms affects the perception of preparedness among medical first responders warrant further research.

/pdf/mixed-reality-exploring-the-requirements-of-realism-in-the-1xs51nu7.pdf

Mixed Reality–Exploring the Requirements of Realism in the Context of Mass Casualty Incident Training

Mixed reality training for medical first responders: system evaluation and recommendations

Handle everyday research tasks with reliable, citation-backed results

Your personal Research Agent to handle research tasks with citation-backed results

Popular Tasks used by Researchers

How can I help with your research?

Meet SciSpace

Get more enhanced response by uploading the PDFs you want me to reference.

No relevant PDFs in your library

SciSpace is the AI research assistant for academics. Run systematic literature reviews on 280M+ papers, and write papers with cited sources. Trusted by 1M+ students, PhDs & researchers.

SciSpace | AI for Research

Analyze PDFs

Code & Manuscripts

Funding & Grants

Literature & Patents

Medical & Clinical Data

Systematic Review

Visualize & Present

Web & Data

Build a Google Scholar-like website for your research.

Build a website

Create charts and images for your research

Create a Chart

Write a paper for submission to a journal

Draft a manuscript

Patent Search

Design eye-catching scientific posters in minutes.

Scientific Poster Generation

Systematic Literature Review

One task is running at the moment. Your messages will be shown right after.

Drag and drop or click here to browse

Loved by <highlight>1 million+</highlight> researchers

Extract a list of specific topics and their sources from unstructured text

Topics

Compare and analyze relevant papers that matches with your search

Papers

Get insights from PDFs and bookmarked papers from your library

My library

Recent searches

Try searching for:

Catch AI-generated content in scholarly and non-scholarly content

{ai} Detector

Ai Writer

Get PDF Summaries, highlighted text explanations 

Chat with PDF

Effortlessly create in-text citations and bibliographies in APA and 2,500 other formats

Citation generator

Get explanations, summaries, and answers on academic papers

Ease up your research workflow with {scispace}'s cohort of exciting AI tools

Elevate your academic writing skills and convey your ideas the way you want

Paraphraser

Explore our range of reading and writing tools

Your file is being prepared and should be ready in a few minutes. If it's a large file, it might take a bit longer. You can close this window, and we'll email you the file when it's done.

You have reached a maximum limit of <strong>{limit}</strong> columns in the table. Remove at least <strong>1</strong> column to add or create another one.

Anke S. Baetzner

Author Tools

Chat about Author

Papers

Preparing medical first responders for crises: a systematic literature review of disaster training programs and their effectiveness

Postponing sleep after a stressful day: Patterns of stress, bedtime procrastination, and sleep outcomes in a daily diary approach.

Mixed Reality–Exploring the Requirements of Realism in the Context of Mass Casualty Incident Training

Mixed reality training for medical first responders: system evaluation and recommendations