Effectiveness of extended reality in simulation-based ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia training: a systematic review
Authors' conclusion
The current evidence does not conclusively support widespread adoption of XR for UGRA training, owing to heterogeneity, small samples, and underpowered studies.
Study context
- Population
- Simulation-based ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) training; RCTs, observational studies and case series
- Participants
- 137 participants · 7 studies
- Comparison
- Extended reality for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia training
- Outcome
- Effectiveness of XR for UGRA training
Methodological detailsrisk of bias assessment, outcomes categorized by Kirkpatrick levels, 1,703 articles screened, Searched MEDLINE, Embase®, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science®, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) from inception to 15 November 2024
- Risk of bias assessment
- Outcomes categorized by Kirkpatrick levels
- 1,703 articles screened
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase®, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science®, and CINAHL from inception to 15 November 2024
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- One trial (n = 29): higher self-confidence in anatomical landmark identification and procedural performance
- P < 0.001
- One study: knowledge score increase
- P < 0.001
- Augmented reality head-mounted display: shorter procedure times
- 10 vs 7 sec; P = 0.03 and 18 vs 12 sec; P = 0.002
- Augmented reality head-mounted display: higher needle visibility
- 34% vs 57%; P < 0.001 and 20% vs 38%; P = 0.001
- Augmented reality head-mounted display: fewer head movements
- P = 0.02
- Immersive virtual reality (VR) trials: no between-group differences in ratings or error scores (MD −3.3; 95% CI −12.7 to 6.1)
- P = 0.51
Parts of this Brief are withheld: the automatic checks could not confirm them against the abstract.
Original publication
Effectiveness of extended reality in simulation-based ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia training: a systematic review. Can J Anaesth. Published 3 August 2026. doi:10.
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