Taking the Pulse on Pedagogy: Anesthesiology Training in Virtual and Augmented Reality

Abstract

Anesthesiology represents a field where clinical precision cannot be compromised when it comes to procedural task performance. As such, better pedagogical approaches can be critical in ensuring a trainee is able to acquire mastery and refine technique for anesthesiologic interventions. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are one option that is growing in popularity due to its ability to enhance hands-on learning (albeit virtually), especially during disease outbreaks, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. A large advantage to these forms of remote learning technology is the reduction of human resources required to run a training session. This commentary explores the current state of VR/AR in anesthesiology medical education.