Augmenting Surgery: Medical Students’ Assessment and Ergonomics of 3D Holograms vs. CT Scans for Pre-Operative Planning

INTRODUCTION: Mixed reality (MR) allows surgeons to pre-operatively assess patients’ anatomy (e.g., tissue to be removed). However, medical students have limited access to this technology, and express both the desire to try it and suspicious attitudes. OBJECTIVES: To assess students’ experience with traditional vs. innovative technology for pre-operative planning. METHODS: 11 medical students analyzed a lung cancer case using CT scans or a 3D hologram (MR) and assessed the technology in terms of mental workload, emotions and formative value. RESULTS: MR resulted in less cognitive load and effort, shorter response time and more positive emotions. No differences emerged in formative value, but the students expressed the desire to be trained both in traditional and innovative technology for pre-operative planning. CONCLUSION: Medical students respond positively to “hands-on” experiences of technology for pre-operative planning. The time may be ripe to include MR in medical formation.