Comparison of extended reality and conventional methods of basic life support training: protocol for a multinational pragmatic clinical trial (XR BLS trial)

Abstract BackgroundConventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for the general public involves the use of a manikin and a training video, which has limitations of lack of realism and immersion. To overcome these limitations, virtual reality and extended reality technologies are being used in the field of medical education. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of the extended reality (XR)-based basic life support (BLS) training.MethodsThis study is a prospective, multinational, multicentre, randomized controlled study. Four institutions in 4 countries will participate in the study. A total of 154 participants will be randomly assigned to either the XR group or the conventional group stratified by institution and sex (1:1 ratio). Each participant who is allocated to either group will be sent to a separate room to receive training with an XR BLS module or conventional CPR training video. All participants will perform a test on a CPR manikin after the training. The primary outcome will be mean compression depth. The secondary outcome will be overall BLS performances, including compression rate, correct hand position, compression and full release and hands-off time. DiscussionUsing VR to establish a virtual educational environment can give trainees a sense of realism. In the XR environment, which combines the virtual world with the real world, trainees can more effectively learn various skills. This trial will provide evidence of the usefulness of XR in CPR education.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04736888. Registered on 29 January 2021