Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations

Aim of the study: This study aims to examine the evolution of recommendations for integrating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into adult Basic Life Support (BLS) education over time. Data sources: In December 2024, we conducted a two-phase search. First, we identified and reviewed pu...

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Main Authors: Nino Fijačko, Manuel Pardo Rios, Federico Semeraro, Vinay M Nadkarni, Robert Greif
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Resuscitation Plus
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520425000876
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author Nino Fijačko
Manuel Pardo Rios
Federico Semeraro
Vinay M Nadkarni
Robert Greif
author_facet Nino Fijačko
Manuel Pardo Rios
Federico Semeraro
Vinay M Nadkarni
Robert Greif
author_sort Nino Fijačko
collection DOAJ
description Aim of the study: This study aims to examine the evolution of recommendations for integrating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into adult Basic Life Support (BLS) education over time. Data sources: In December 2024, we conducted a two-phase search. First, we identified and reviewed publications available on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) webpage, focusing on resuscitation education science, specifically addressing VR and/or AR in adult BLS education. In the second phase, we reviewed the references and citations of the included publication to identify relevant publications from the American Heart Association (AHA), European Resuscitation Council (ERC), and ILCOR. Results: Across both phases, we included 29 AHA, ERC, and ILCOR publications on resuscitation education. These comprised 16 ILCOR CoSTRs, seven AHA/ERC guidelines (four ERC, three AHA), three ILCOR scientific statements, two AHA scientific statements, and one ILCOR review. The first mention of VR appeared in 2003, but the first recommendation was provided in 2020 AHA guidelines, suggesting its use for adult BLS training based on very low-quality evidence. In 2024, the ILCOR CoSTRs issued a weak recommendation supporting AR and a weak recommendation against VR for adult BLS training, both based on very low-quality evidence. Conclusion: While VR/AR is gaining traction in resuscitation training, its effectiveness remains debated. Initially focused on professionals, it now extends to laypersons and schoolchildren. However, strong evidence is lacking. Future research should assess learning outcomes, guideline adherence, and patient impact to support stronger ILCOR recommendations.
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spelling doaj-art-2f8d961f79384d3fb0e78a1aed0f92cc2025-08-20T02:26:09ZengElsevierResuscitation Plus2666-52042025-05-012310095010.1016/j.resplu.2025.100950Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendationsNino Fijačko0Manuel Pardo Rios1Federico Semeraro2Vinay M Nadkarni3Robert Greif4University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Maribor, Slovenia; Maribor University Medical Centre, Maribor, Slovenia; Corresponding author at: University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Žitna ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, SpainDepartment of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Prehospital Emergency, Maggiore Hospital Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Bologna, ItalyChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, PA, USAFaculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Surgical Science, University of Torino, Torino, ItalyAim of the study: This study aims to examine the evolution of recommendations for integrating Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into adult Basic Life Support (BLS) education over time. Data sources: In December 2024, we conducted a two-phase search. First, we identified and reviewed publications available on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) webpage, focusing on resuscitation education science, specifically addressing VR and/or AR in adult BLS education. In the second phase, we reviewed the references and citations of the included publication to identify relevant publications from the American Heart Association (AHA), European Resuscitation Council (ERC), and ILCOR. Results: Across both phases, we included 29 AHA, ERC, and ILCOR publications on resuscitation education. These comprised 16 ILCOR CoSTRs, seven AHA/ERC guidelines (four ERC, three AHA), three ILCOR scientific statements, two AHA scientific statements, and one ILCOR review. The first mention of VR appeared in 2003, but the first recommendation was provided in 2020 AHA guidelines, suggesting its use for adult BLS training based on very low-quality evidence. In 2024, the ILCOR CoSTRs issued a weak recommendation supporting AR and a weak recommendation against VR for adult BLS training, both based on very low-quality evidence. Conclusion: While VR/AR is gaining traction in resuscitation training, its effectiveness remains debated. Initially focused on professionals, it now extends to laypersons and schoolchildren. However, strong evidence is lacking. Future research should assess learning outcomes, guideline adherence, and patient impact to support stronger ILCOR recommendations.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520425000876Extended realityVirtual realityAugmented realityAdult basic life supportReview
spellingShingle Nino Fijačko
Manuel Pardo Rios
Federico Semeraro
Vinay M Nadkarni
Robert Greif
Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
Resuscitation Plus
Extended reality
Virtual reality
Augmented reality
Adult basic life support
Review
title Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
title_full Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
title_fullStr Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
title_full_unstemmed Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
title_short Resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality: Evolution from potential concept to recommendations
title_sort resuscitation education science meets virtual and augmented reality evolution from potential concept to recommendations
topic Extended reality
Virtual reality
Augmented reality
Adult basic life support
Review
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520425000876
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