Overview
The Auscultation training ER Lab is an innovative mobile application designed to enhance the learning experience for medical professionals and students in auscultation skills. By utilizing mixed reality (MR) technology, users can practice identifying heart and respiratory sounds through interactive simulations. The application is compatible with Meta Quest devices, offering a user-friendly interface that facilitates hands-on training.
How It Works
The application provides an immersive experience by combining audio simulations of heart and respiratory sounds with visual representations of the anatomy. Users can select various scenarios, allowing them to practice identifying normal and pathological sounds in a realistic environment.
Key features include:
1. Realistic Sound Simulation: The app generates high-quality audio samples of heartbeats and breath sounds, allowing users to familiarize themselves with different physiological and pathological conditions.
2. Interactive Anatomy Visualizations: Users can explore detailed 3D models of the heart and lungs, helping to contextualize the sounds they are learning to identify.
Hardware/Software Requirements
The Auscultation training ER Lab requires:
1. Installation on a compatible Meta Quest device, preferably colored passthrough models like the Quest Pro, Quest 3, and Quest 3S.
Benefits
1. Enhanced Learning: The combination of audio and visual elements supports different learning styles, making it easier for users to grasp complex concepts.
2. Convenience: Users can practice anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need for physical stethoscope training sessions or expensive training tools.
3. Engaging Interface: The interactive nature of the app keeps users motivated and engaged in their learning process.
Conclusion
The Auscultation training ER Lab represents a significant advancement in medical education technology. By leveraging mixed reality and audio simulations, it provides an effective platform for training in auscultation skills, helping to prepare future healthcare professionals with confidence and competence.
This project is being developed in collaboration with the ICU Follow-up Care Research Lab (Eργαστήριο ΜΕΘ – Μετανοσοκομειακή Παρακολούθηση Ασθενών) of the Nursing Department, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing medical education.
Researcher in lead of development: Kladogenis Panagiotis
Associate researchers: Konstantinos Evgenikos, Dimitrios Papageorgiou