Abstract

Objective: This study aims to review recent literature on using mixed reality (MR) in nursing practice, focusing on outcomes related to nursing efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, and team effectiveness. The research addresses the growing interest in using MR technology to enhance nursing care delivery and improve access to care.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for relevant literature from January 2013 to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that employed MR in nursing settings with measurable outcomes in efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, or team effectiveness. Exclusion criteria removed studies without a primary focus on nurses. The article selection involved dual reviewers, with data extraction managed through Covidence software. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s ROBINS-I and RoB-2 for non-randomized and randomized trials, respectively.

Results: Out of 1805 screened studies, eight met the inclusion criteria, spanning randomized, quasi-experimental, and qualitative designs. The review revealed mixed evidence for MR’s effectiveness in nursing. MR showed promise in improving task efficiency, especially in wound care documentation and pediatric code cart training, but offered mixed or no benefits to training CPR or intubation skills. Satisfaction outcomes varied, with some evidence supporting MR's potential to enhance nursing job satisfaction through task facilitation. Ergonomics-related outcomes highlighted both benefits, such as hands-free operation, and challenges, like device discomfort and technical malfunctions. Team effectiveness was minimally explored, with one study demonstrating improved remote collaboration between nurses and wound care specialists.

Conclusion: MR technology holds potential as an adjunct to traditional nursing education and practice, but technological and ergonomic barriers limit its impact. The studies suggest MR could enhance certain nursing tasks, though further research is needed to determine its broader clinical relevance and feasibility. Future work should include rigorous comparative studies to establish best practices for MR implementation in nursing while addressing health equity concerns.

Notes

References:

Alzahrani, N. M. (2020). Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review of Its Benefits and Challenges in E-learning Contexts. Applied Sciences, 10(16), 5660.

Dias, P. L., Greenberg, R. G., Goldberg, R. N., Fisher, K., & Tanaka, D. T. (2021, Mar). Augmented Reality-Assisted Video Laryngoscopy and Simulated Neonatal Intubations: A Pilot Study. Pediatrics, 147(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-005009

Fumagalli, S., Torricelli, G., Massi, M., Calvani, S., Boni, S., Roberts, A. T., Accarigi, E., Manetti, S., & Marchionni, N. (2017, Apr). Effects of a new device to guide venous puncture in elderly critically ill patients: results of a pilot randomized study. Aging Clin Exp Res, 29(2), 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-016-0547-0

Kaylor, J., Hooper, V., Wilson, A., Burkert, R., Lyda, M., Fletcher, K., & Bowers, E. (2019, Nov/Dec). Reliability Testing of Augmented Reality Glasses Technology: Establishing the Evidence Base for Telewound Care. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs, 46(6), 485-490. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000585

Klinker, K., Wiesche, M., & Krcmar, H. (2020). Digital Transformation in Health Care: Augmented Reality for Hands-Free Service Innovation. Information Systems Frontiers, 22, 1419-1431. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-019-09937-7

Description

This systematic review examines the impact of mixed reality (MR) in nursing practice settings. Eight studies showed MR's potential benefits, particularly in documentation and training. While MR may improve task satisfaction and facilitate remote collaboration, challenges remain, including device discomfort and technical hurdles. Findings highlight MR's promise as a supportive tool in nursing, with further research needed to address usability and health equity.

Author Details

Chandler H. Moser, PhD, BSN, RN, CNOR; Changhwan Kim, MSN, BSN, RN; Bindu Charles, MSc (N), BSc (N), RN; Renilda Tijones, MSN, BSN, RN, CNOR; Elsa Sanchez, BSN, RN; Jedry G. Davila, BSN, RN; Hemilla R. Matta, DNP, MBA, RN, AMB-BC, CNEn; Erin Barker, B.S.P.H., C.I.C.; David Goldenberg, MD; John Madara, MD; Michael J. Brenner, MD, FACS; CILDI-CLABSI Study Team; Vinciya Pandian, PhD, MBA, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP, FAAN, FFNMRSC

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Systematic Review

Research Approach

Other

Keywords:

Virtual Learning, Mixed Reality, Competence, Nursing Education, Nursing Practice

Conference Name

36th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Click on the above link to access the slide deck.

Share

COinS
 

Mixed Reality in Modern Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review of Clinical Applications

Seattle, Washington, USA

Objective: This study aims to review recent literature on using mixed reality (MR) in nursing practice, focusing on outcomes related to nursing efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, and team effectiveness. The research addresses the growing interest in using MR technology to enhance nursing care delivery and improve access to care.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for relevant literature from January 2013 to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that employed MR in nursing settings with measurable outcomes in efficiency, satisfaction, ergonomics, competency, or team effectiveness. Exclusion criteria removed studies without a primary focus on nurses. The article selection involved dual reviewers, with data extraction managed through Covidence software. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s ROBINS-I and RoB-2 for non-randomized and randomized trials, respectively.

Results: Out of 1805 screened studies, eight met the inclusion criteria, spanning randomized, quasi-experimental, and qualitative designs. The review revealed mixed evidence for MR’s effectiveness in nursing. MR showed promise in improving task efficiency, especially in wound care documentation and pediatric code cart training, but offered mixed or no benefits to training CPR or intubation skills. Satisfaction outcomes varied, with some evidence supporting MR's potential to enhance nursing job satisfaction through task facilitation. Ergonomics-related outcomes highlighted both benefits, such as hands-free operation, and challenges, like device discomfort and technical malfunctions. Team effectiveness was minimally explored, with one study demonstrating improved remote collaboration between nurses and wound care specialists.

Conclusion: MR technology holds potential as an adjunct to traditional nursing education and practice, but technological and ergonomic barriers limit its impact. The studies suggest MR could enhance certain nursing tasks, though further research is needed to determine its broader clinical relevance and feasibility. Future work should include rigorous comparative studies to establish best practices for MR implementation in nursing while addressing health equity concerns.