Exploring Augmented Reality For Early Clinical Exposure Of Healthcare Students: A Review

Abstract

Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) is a pedagogy to develop confidence and competence in Medical and Allied Health students. Challenges in conventional teaching include less clinical access, varied patient cases, and potential risks to students and patients. This study explores Augmented Reality (AR) as a tool for ECE. It highlights AR’s potential to enhance students’ understanding, skills acquisition, learning outcomes, motivation, and confidence. Though AR is beneficial in improving learning outcomes, it can only be an additive tool, without replacing traditional teaching. Further research is essential to formulate standardized policies, and implementation guidelines, reduce costs, and evaluate long-term effects on clinical expertise.