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The study critically reassesses existing Metaverse concepts and proposes a novel framework for inclusiveness of physically disabled artists. The purpose is to enable and inspire physically disabled users and content creators to participate in the evolving concept of the Metaverse. The article also highlights the need for standards and regulations governing the inclusion of people with disabilities in Metaverse projects. The study examines current information technologies and their relevance to the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in the Metaverse. We analyse existing Metaverse concepts, exploring emerging information technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things. The emerging framework in the article is based on the active involvement of disabled creatives in the development of solutions for inclusivity. The review reveals that despite the proliferation of Blockchain Metaverse projects, the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in the Metaverse remains distant, with limited standards and regulations in place. The article proposes a concept of the Metaverse that leverages emerging technologies, to enable greater engagement of disabled creatives. This approach is designed to enhance inclusiveness in the Metaverse landscape. Active involvement of physically disabled individuals in the design and development of Metaverse platforms is crucial for promoting inclusivity. The framework for accessibility and inclusiveness in decentralised Metaverses provides a basis for the meaningful participation of disabled creatives. The article emphasises the importance of addressing the mechanisms for art production by individuals with disabilities in the emerging Metaverse landscape. This article addresses a global challenge related to helping disabled people operate in the modern society, targeting new and emerging technologies, and enabling early understanding of required actions for inclusiveness of people with disabilities in the Metaverse. The increased use of advanced technologies (e.g., AI and IoT) in the Metaverse, amplified the importance of this research being conducted. The aggregate impact from this research for science and society is a more inclusive, and unbiassed Metaverses that are compliant with regulations on anti-disability discrimination. This is followed by the secondary values, related to increased technological opportunities from a breakthrough in designing new, more inclusive, and autonomous devices. The research study presents a new framework for integrating new technologies in existing Metaverses, resulting with a stronger accessibility and inclusiveness of the Metaverse. This creates a new understanding on how new technologies can be used for disability discrimination prevention and early understanding of disability requirements. We also highlighted normative constraints and the need for further reflection and weighing to avoid dystopian futures for the physically disabled in relation to the Metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of augmented reality (AR) and experiential learning go hand in hand. Although AR learning opportunities have been well discussed, there is limited empirical research on the use of AR within higher education settings. Drawing from the uses and gratifications theory (U&GT), this study aims to explore the use of AR for learning satisfaction and student engagement, while also examining differences in learning styles. Design/methodology/approach: This study used experiments with higher education students in the UK to explore the use of AR as part of the learning experience. Data from 173 students who experienced AR as part of their learning experience were analysed using partial least square analysis. Findings: The authors found that hedonic, utilitarian, sensual and modality gratifications influence AR learning satisfaction and student engagement. Furthermore, the authors found differences between active and passive learners with regards to utilitarian (information seeking, personalisation) and sensual gratifications (immersion, presence) and effects on learning satisfaction. Originality/value: This study developed and validated a U&GT framework incorporating different learning styles rooted in Kolb's learning cycle. Findings provide important implications for the use of commercial AR applications as part of the learning experience within higher education settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Cleft Lip Education with Augmented Reality (CLEAR) project centers around the use of augmented reality (AR) in patient leaflets, as a visual means to overcome the "health literacy" gap. This trial followed Virtual Reality (VR CORE) guidelines for VR Phase 2 (Pilot) trials. Methods: Participants included families of children treated for Cleft Lip and Palate at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. Interventions were AR leaflet or Traditional Leaflet. Objectives were to calculate sample sizes, assess outcome instruments, trial design, and acceptability to patients. Primary outcome measure was Mental Effort Rating Scale, and secondary outcomes were Patient Satisfaction (Visual Analogue Scale), Usefulness Scale for Patient Information Material (USE) scale, and Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). Randomization was by block randomization. The trial was single blinded with assessors blinded to group assignment. Results: 12 Participants were randomized, with crossover design permitting analysis of 12 per group. Primary outcome with Mental Effort Rating Scale indicated higher mental effort with Traditional compared to AR Leaflet (4.75 vs 2.00, P =.0003). Secondary outcomes for Satisfaction were Traditional 54.50 versus AR 93.50 (P =.0001); USE scale 49.42 versus 74.08 (P =.0011); and IMMS 112.50 versus 161.75 (P =.0003). Subjective interviews noted overwhelmingly positive patient comments regarding the AR leaflet. Outcome instruments and trial design were acceptable to participants. No harms were recorded. Conclusions: The CLEAR pilot trial provides early evidence of clinical efficacy of AR leaflets in patient education. It is hoped that this will provide a future paradigm shift in the way patient education is delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has previously been argued that Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to provide relevant digital information to support pupils learning in real-time through engaging formats. However, the use of AR in the classroom remains uncommon for mainstream adoption. This study uses a service design methodology to focus on a more holistic approach toward AR as an educational service by investigating the challenges and conditions of integrating AR learning experiences into a primary curriculum. The research paper aims to provide an overview of how primary science (Key stage 2) in the UK is currently being delivered and where both barriers and opportunities occur for adoption to integrate more meaningful AR experiences that add real value to primary science education. An exploration stage (phase one) includes a questionnaire, contextual interviews, classroom observations, and focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on gathered data, identifying emerging patterns around teachers' needs. The discussion section empathises with teachers' needs and unearths key factors surrounding the implications of using augmented reality for primary science education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines what the use of an augmented reality (AR) makeup mirror means to consumers, focusing on experiential consumption and the extended self. Design/methodology/approach: The authors employed a multimethod approach involving netnography and semi-structured interviews with participants in India and the UK (n = 30). Findings: Two main themes emerged from the data: (1) the importance of imagination and fantasy and (2) the (in)authenticity of the self and the surrounding "reality." Research limitations/implications: This research focuses on AR magic makeup mirror. The authors call for further research on different AR contexts. Practical implications: The authors provide service managers with insights on addressing gaps between the perceived service (i.e. AR contexts and the makeup consumption journey) and the conceived service (i.e. fantasies and the extended self). Originality/value: The authors examine the lived fantasy experiences of AR experiential consumption. In addition, the authors reveal a novel understanding of the extended self as temporarily re-envisioned through the AR mirror. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, the various mediums available for storytelling have progressively expanded, from spoken to written word, then to film, and now to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). In 2016, the cutting-edge Head-Mounted Display (HMD) AR Microsoft HoloLens was released. However, though it has been several years, the quality of the user experience with narration using HMD-based AR technology has been rarely discussed. The present study explored interactive narrative in HMD-based AR regarding different user interfaces and their influence on users' presence, narrative engagement and reflection. Inspired by an existing exhibition at the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in the U.K., a HoloLens narrative application, entitled The AR Journey, was developed by the authors using two different interaction methods, Natural User Interface (NUI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI), which were used to perform an empirical study. As revealed from the results of the between-subject design experiment, NUI exhibited statistically significant advantages in creating presence for users without 3D Role Playing Game (RPG) experience, and GUI was superior in creating presence and increasing narrative engagement for users with 3D RPG experience. As indicated by the results of the interviews, the overall narrative experience in HMD-based AR was acceptable, and the branching narrative design was engaging. However, HoloLens hardware issues, as well as virtuality and reality mismatch, adversely affected user experience. Design guidelines were proposed according to the qualitative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the construction industry is also witnessing the application of numerous state-of-the-art technologies. Among these, augmented reality (AR) technology has the advantage of utilizing existing 3D models and BIM data and is thus an area of active research. However, the main area of research to date has either been in visualizing information during the design phase, where architects and project stakeholders can share viewings, or in confirming the required information for construction management through visualization during the construction phase. As such, more research is required in the application of AR during the facility management (FM) phase. Research utilizing BIM in the FM phase, which constitutes the longest period during the lifecycle of a building, has been continuously carried out but has faced challenges with regard to on-site application. The reason for this is that information required for BIM during the design, construction and FM phases is different, and the reproduced information is vast, so identifying the required BIM data for FM and interfacing with other systems is difficult. As a measure to overcome this limitation, advanced countries such as the US and UK have developed and are using Construction Operations Building information exchange (COBie), which is an open-source BIM-based information exchange system. In order to effectively convert open-source BIM data to AR data, this research defined COBie data for windows and doors, converted them to a system and validated that it could actually be applied for on-site FM. The results of this system's creation and validation showed that the proposed AR-based smart FMS demonstrated faster and easier access to information compared with existing 2D blueprint-based FM work, while information obtained through AR allowed for immediate, more visual and easier means to express the information when integrated with actual objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical training in the UK and Ireland has faced challenges following the implementation of the European Working Time Directive and postgraduate training reform. The health services are undergoing a digital transformation; digital technology is remodelling the delivery of surgical care and surgical training. This review aims to critically evaluate key issues in laparoscopic general surgical training and the digital technology such as virtual and augmented reality, telementoring and automated workflow analysis and surgical skills assessment. We include pre-clinical, proof of concept research and commercial systems that are being developed to provide solutions. Digital surgical technology is evolving through interdisciplinary collaboration to provide widespread access to high-quality laparoscopic general surgery training and assessment. In the future this could lead to integrated, context-aware systems that support surgical teams in providing safer surgical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing demands in the amount of content to be learned within a medical and health sciences curriculum, there are benefits towards exploring options for new and effective delivery modes. Augmented reality technology has the potential to enhance learning in physiology and anatomy, where students require a three‐dimensional knowledge of human organ systems and structures. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of learning when an identical lesson was delivered through augmented reality using either the Microsoft HoloLens or a mobile handheld tablet device. Thirty‐eight pre‐clinical undergraduate participants completed a lesson detailing the physiology and anatomy of the brain. Pre‐ and post‐intervention tests were provided to evaluate acquired knowledge. After the activity, participants also completed a Likert‐style questionnaire to evaluate adverse health effects experienced and assess their perceptions of the module. There were no significant differences between test scores from lesson delivery in either the HoloLens or mobile‐based augmented reality. However, a significant increase was reported in dizziness when using the HoloLens (25% higher, n = 19, p =.04). No other adverse health effects, such as nausea, disorientation or fatigue were observed. Both modes were effective for learning, providing evidence to support educators and developers wishing to adopt an augmented reality method of delivery in health sciences and medicine. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GSayCmopGZg Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic Modern technology continues to disrupt the way we teach in higher education.Teaching through virtual and augmented reality has shown great benefit in enhancing learning and the student experience in health sciences and medicine.There is the potential for new and upcoming delivery modes to continue this trend, including the introduction of both mobile and head‐mounted display based augmented reality.What this study contributes Investigates the potential for augmented reality to be used as a teaching tool, and supports its implementation in tertiary education.Identifies that although slight dizziness was reported in some participants from using the HoloLens, this does not appear to impact learning or student perceptions of the technology.Presents the HoloLens and mobile‐based augmented reality as novel and evidence‐based methods of instruction in health sciences and medicine.Implications for practice and/or policy Augmented reality is an effective delivery mode which can enhance learning.Students consider augmented reality through both the HoloLens and mobile‐based devices to be enjoyable and engaging.This novel method of instruction is useful to supplement learning in a tertiary education programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the experiences of stroke survivors and their carers of augmented arm rehabilitation including supported self-management in terms of its acceptability, appropriateness and relevance. Design: A qualitative design, nested within a larger, multi-centre randomized controlled feasibility trial that compared augmented arm rehabilitation starting at three or nine weeks after stroke, with usual care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in both augmented arm rehabilitation groups. Normalization Process Theory was used to inform the topic guide and map the findings. Framework analysis was applied. Setting: Interviews were conducted in stroke survivors' homes, at Glasgow Caledonian University and in hospital. Participants: 17 stroke survivors and five carers were interviewed after completion of augmented arm rehabilitation. Intervention: Evidence-based augmented arm rehabilitation (27 additional hours over six weeks), including therapist-led sessions and supported self-management. Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) acceptability of the intervention (2) supported self-management and (3) coping with the intervention. All stroke survivors coped well with the intensity of the augmented arm rehabilitation programme. The majority of stroke survivors engaged in supported self-management and implemented activities into their daily routine. However, the findings suggest that some stroke survivors (male >70 years) had difficulties with self-management, needing a higher level of support. Conclusion: Augmented arm rehabilitation commencing within nine weeks post stroke was reported to be well tolerated. The findings suggested that supported self-management seemed acceptable and appropriate to those who saw the relevance of the rehabilitation activities for their daily lives, and embedded them into their daily routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK, the NDE community is making a coordinated effort to underpin and enable the full benefits of the large-scale trend toward comprehensive digitalization and automation of industrial processes and assets, frequently referred to as "Industry 4.0". Certain facets of what is now considered to be NDE 4.0 have been the subject of research for some time and have already gained industrial traction, while others are quite new, with unexplored potential and pitfalls. However, in these areas there is scope for learning from progress in fields outside of, but related to, NDE such as dimensional metrology. This paper reviews progress to date based on UK activities, considers some planned and potential research tasks in this domain, and highlights the major challenges the NDE community must tackle. In particular, as interoperability and data reuse are key features of Industry 4.0 practices, international and cross-domain efforts on data format standardization are needed. It is clear that, without the NDE community stepping up to the challenge, much of Industry 4.0 cannot be realized; yet if the NDE 4.0 vision is implemented comprehensively, NDE has the potential to become more capable, more valuable, and therefore more highly valued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore a complex combination of four realms of the experience economy in formulating memories and satisfaction among festival visitors by using augmented reality (AR), thus engaging visitors in the physical science experience. This study also identifies necessary conditions to achieve desired responses from visitors. Design/methodology/approach: Asymmetrical modelling with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to investigate causal recipes of two configurations of the experience economy and evaluation of experience leading to both high and low scores from visitor engagement. Necessary condition analysis was applied to examine necessary predictors in visitor engagement. The proposed configuration model was tested by using data obtained from visitors to science festivals in the UK. Findings: Five causal recipes explained the complex conditions in which visitors were more likely engaged in AR. Aesthetics, education, entertainment and satisfaction were necessary for high engagement among festival visitors. Research limitations/implications: The results from fsQCA and analyses of necessary conditions help festival organizers improve visitor satisfaction and engagement in a memorable AR experience. Originality/value: This empirical study deepens current festival understanding of how visitors experience AR by exploring combinations of complex configurations of the experience economy and evaluations of visitor experience based on memories and satisfaction. Unlike symmetrical approaches, asymmetrical modelling by using fsQCA can explore recipes for both high and low scores of visitor satisfaction and engagement. This is the first empirical study investigating necessary predictors of festival visitor behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of organizations in cultural tourism have started to explore the use of augmented reality (AR) to enhance visitor experience. While many studies have been conducted to identify adoption criteria of mobile AR applications, research exploring the adoption of augmented reality smart glasses (ARSG) is still limited. This paper contributes to the technology adoption literature by investigating attributes of visitor adoption of ARSG in cultural tourism. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with visitors to a UK art gallery, where they experienced an ARSG application. Findings inform an ARSG adoption framework that integrates societal impact, perceived benefits, perceived attributes of innovation, and visitor resistance as the main themes of ARSG adoption in cultural tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museums facilitate schoolchildren's experiential learning, and when combined with Augmented Reality (AR) applications, schoolchildren can benefit from interactive, engaging learning experiences. Experiential learning is, therefore, situated in a context relevant to schoolchildren's learning experience with digital technologies such as AR in museums, hence, it seems appropriate to employ Kolb's (1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. NJ: Pearson Education) Experiential Learning Cycle as a theoretical base. A museum in the UK was used as a single case study, and experiments and three focus groups were conducted with 19 schoolchildren and data analysed using thematic analysis. This study revealed three new themes specific to schoolchildren's experiential learning experiences with AR in museums including: (1) integrating AR could further enhance knowledge acquisition, (2) schoolchildren were able to identify their preferred learning style, and (3) schoolchildren are motivated to continue learning with AR in museums. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are presented, as well as suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a two-phase study to compare alternative techniques for augmenting landscape scenes on geography fieldtrips. The techniques were: a pre-prepared acetate overlay; a custom-designed mobile field guide; a locative media app on a smartphone; a virtual globe on a tablet PC; a head-mounted virtual reality display, and a geo-wand style mobile app. In one field exercise the first five techniques were compared through analysis of interviews and student video diaries, combined with direct observation. This identified a particular challenge of how to direct user attention correctly to relevant information in the field of view. To explore this issue in more detail, a second field exercise deployed "Zapp", a bespoke geo-wand-style app capable of retrieving information about distant landscape features. This was evaluated using first-person video and spatial logging of in-field interactions. This paper reflects upon the relative merits of these approaches and highlights particular challenges of using technology to mimic a human field guide in pointing out specific aspects of the landscape scene. We also explore the role of students acting as design informants and research co-participants, which can be mutually beneficial in promoting a critical appreciation of the role of technology to support learning about the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overlaying a building with images from the past can be an engaging way to explore a historic site. However, little is known about what type of content functions well when using augmented reality (AR) in outdoor contexts. This research investigates how different types of AR content - such as text or image - can affect the flow experience as well as other user affective and behavioural responses. We ran an experimental study with 85 participants at a university campus, where three groups used different apps - AR app with overlaid textual information, AR app with overlaid both textual information and images and an app with audio guide - to explore the area's historic and cultural background. The results show that overlaying images in addition to the text was clearly the most successful way of attracting attention and providing stronger flow in comparison to the apps that overlaid only text or delivered audio. However, we also discovered that users occasionally interpreted the overlaid imagery to be cues for something else other than what they were designed to represent. Finally, we discuss how AR content can enlarge otherwise invisible details, depict historic elements and unveil interiors of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The integration with BIM and AR has the challenges of limited interoperability and complex data formats. • Open-source software and standardized data format are the solutions to overcome these issues. • The proposed architecture also provides various geometry processing and deep learning application. • The architecture was applied to workflow visualization and deformation detection in pipe maintenance. Informed decision-making is crucial for construction site operators. Cyber-physical systems, including various technologies such as augmented reality and building automation tools, are gathering popularity within the infrastructure management sector. However, they are expensive and inaccessible to adopt for most small organizations. This paper describes a prototype of low-cost mobile augmented reality service for BIM and demonstrated its usability for pipe maintenance by supporting inspection, workflow management, data reduction, and augmented reality. User views about the decision support, integration and ease of use of the prototype were also collected from the organisations in the UK and South Korea. The results showed that integrating the augmented reality service with the building automation tool connected to the BIM server enhances decision-making for on-site operations by generating a closed loop. This paper also highlights the need for developing low-cost digital solutions to foster the digitalization of construction organisations with limited budgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Augmented-reality (AR) smart glasses provide an alternative to standard computer display monitors (CDM). AR smart glasses may provide an opportunity to improve visualisation during fluoroscopy and interventional radiology (IR) procedures when there can be difficulty in viewing intra-procedural images on a CDM. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographer perception of image quality (IQ) when comparing CDM and AR smart glasses., Methods: 38 radiographers attending an international congress evaluated ten fluoroscopic-guided surgery and IR images on both a CDM (1920 × 1200 pixels) and a set of Epson Moverio BT-40 AR smart glasses (1920 × 1080 pixels). Participants provided oral responses to pre-defined IQ questions generated by study researchers. Summative IQ scores for each participant/image were compared between CDM and AR smart glasses., Results: Of the 38 participants, the mean age was 39 ± 1 years. 23 (60.5%) participants required corrective glasses. In terms of generalisability, participants were from 12 different countries, the majority (n = 9, 23.7%) from the United Kingdom. For eight out of ten images, the AR smart glasses demonstrated a statistically significant increase in perceived IQ (median [IQR] 2.0 [-1.0 to 7.0] points) when compared to the CDM., Conclusion: AR smart glasses appear to show improvements in perceived IQ when compared to a CDM. AR smart glasses could provide an option for improving the experiences of radiographers involved in image-guided procedures and should be subject to further clinical evaluations., Implications for Practice: Opportunities exist to improve perceived IQ for radiographers when reviewing fluoroscopy and IR images. AR smart glasses should be further evaluated as a potential opportunity to improve practice when visual attention is split between positioning equipment and image review., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement None., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The availability of advanced software and less expensive hardware allows museums to preserve and share artefacts digitally. As a result, museums are frequently making their collections accessible online as interactive, 3D models. This could lead to the unique situation of viewing the digital artefact before the physical artefact. Experiencing artefacts digitally outside of the museum on personal devices may affect the user's ability to emotionally connect to the artefacts. This study examines how two target populations of young adults (18–21 years) and the elderly (65 years and older) responded to seeing cultural heritage artefacts in three different modalities: augmented reality on a tablet, 3D models on a laptop, and then physical artefacts. Specifically, the time spent, enjoyment, and emotional responses were analysed. Results revealed that regardless of age, the digital modalities were enjoyable and encouraged emotional responses. Seeing the physical artefacts after the digital ones did not lessen their enjoyment or emotions felt. These findings aim to provide an insight into the effectiveness of 3D artefacts viewed on personal devices and artefacts shown outside of the museum for encouraging emotional responses from older and younger people. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rise of mobile phones and social media may come to be historically coupled with a growing atmosphere of dissent that is enveloping much of the globe. The Arab Spring, UK Riots, Occupy and many other protests and so-called "flash-mobs" are all massive gatherings of digitally-connected individuals in physical space; and they have recently become the new normal. The primary role of technology in producing this atmosphere has, in part, been to effectively link the on and the offline. The trend to view these as separate spaces, what I call "digital dualism", is faulty. Instead, I argue that the digital and physical enmesh to form an "augmented reality". Linking the power of the digital--creating and disseminating networked information--with the power of the physical--occupying geographic space with flesh-and-blood bodies--is an important part of why we have this current flammable atmosphere of augmented revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With about 100% increase in rail service usage over the last 20 years, it is pertinent that rail infrastructure continues to function at an optimal level to avoid service disruptions, cancellations or delays due to unforeseen asset breakdown. In an endeavour to propose a strategy for the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) in rail asset maintenance, a qualitative methodology was adopted through a series of focus-group workshops to identify the priority areas and enabling digital technologies for IoT implementation. The methods of data collection included audio recording, note-taking, and concept mapping. The audio records were transcribed and used for thematic analysis, while the concept maps were integrated for conceptual modelling and analysis. This paper presents an implementation strategy for IoT for rail assets maintenance with focus on priority areas such as real-time condition monitoring using IoT sensors, predictive maintenance, remote inspection, and integrated asset data management platform. • Problem areas in rail asset management were assessed. • Opportunities and technological enablers for IoT were discussed by experts. • Core priority areas for IoT implementation in rail asset maintenance were identified. • An implementation strategy was proposed. • Potential practical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have recently become popular research themes. However, there are no published bibliometric reports that have analyzed the corresponding scientific literature in relation to the application of these technologies in medicine.Objective: We used a bibliometric approach to identify and analyze the scientific literature on VR and AR research in medicine, revealing the popular research topics, key authors, scientific institutions, countries, and journals. We further aimed to capture and describe the themes and medical conditions most commonly investigated by VR and AR research.Methods: The Web of Science electronic database was searched to identify relevant papers on VR research in medicine. Basic publication and citation data were acquired using the "Analyze" and "Create Citation Report" functions of the database. Complete bibliographic data were exported to VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, dedicated bibliometric software packages, for further analyses. Visualization maps were generated to illustrate the recurring keywords and words mentioned in the titles and abstracts.Results: The analysis was based on data from 8399 papers. Major research themes were diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as rehabilitation. Commonly studied medical conditions were pain, stroke, anxiety, depression, fear, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, contributions to the literature were globally distributed with heaviest contributions from the United States and United Kingdom. Studies from more clinically related research areas such as surgery, psychology, neurosciences, and rehabilitation had higher average numbers of citations than studies from computer sciences and engineering.Conclusions: The conducted bibliometric analysis unequivocally reveals the versatile emerging applications of VR and AR in medicine. With the further maturation of the technology and improved accessibility in countries where VR and AR research is strong, we expect it to have a marked impact on clinical practice and in the life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to rapid acceleration in the deployment of new digital technologies to improve both accessibility to and quality of care, and to protect staff. Mixed-reality (MR) technology is the latest iteration of telemedicine innovation; it is a logical next step in the move toward the provision of digitally supported clinical care and medical education. This technology has the potential to revolutionize care both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Objective: This pilot project sought to deploy the HoloLens2 MR device to support the delivery of remote care in COVID-19 hospital environments.Methods: A prospective, observational, nested cohort evaluation of the HoloLens2 was undertaken across three distinct clinical clusters in a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Data pertaining to staff exposure to high-risk COVID-19 environments and personal protective equipment (PPE) use by clinical staff (N=28) were collected, and assessments of acceptability and feasibility were conducted.Results: The deployment of the HoloLens2 led to a 51.5% reduction in time exposed to harm for staff looking after COVID-19 patients (3.32 vs 1.63 hours/day/staff member; P=.002), and an 83.1% reduction in the amount of PPE used (178 vs 30 items/round/day; P=.02). This represents 222.98 hours of reduced staff exposure to COVID-19, and 3100 fewer PPE items used each week across the three clusters evaluated. The majority of staff using the device agreed it was easy to set up and comfortable to wear, improved the quality of care and decision making, and led to better teamwork and communication. In total, 89.3% (25/28) of users felt that their clinical team was safer when using the HoloLens2.Conclusions: New technologies have a role in minimizing exposure to nosocomial infection, optimizing the use of PPE, and enhancing aspects of care. Deploying such technologies at pace requires context-specific information security, infection control, user experience, and workflow integration to be addressed at the outset and led by clinical end-users. The deployment of new telemedicine technology must be supported with objective evidence for its safety and effectiveness to ensure maximum impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is one of the most common disease states worldwide but is still publicly misunderstood and lacks engaging public awareness materials. Within the UK, the most prevalent types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The two are commonly mistaken as the same disease but, in fact, have very different pathogenesis, symptoms and treatments. This chapter describes a study which aimed to assess whether an augmented reality (AR) application could be used to raise awareness about the difference between OA and RA.An application was created for Android tablets that included labelled 3D models, animations and AR scenes triggered from a poster. In total 11 adult participants tested the application taking part in a pretest and posttest which aim to measure the usability of the application and the acquisition of knowledge on OA and RA. A T-test was performed to assess the effectiveness of the application from the pretest and posttest questionnaire outcomes. Overall results were encouraging reporting a very significant acquisition of knowledge and a highly satisfactory user experience.