What effect do extended reality-based educational interventions have on microsurgical skills training of healthcare professionals and students compared to other educational interventions? Protocol for a systematic review

Introduction Microsurgical training is a specialist area of surgical skill with multiple existing simulation models previously proposed to facilitate its acquisition, such as live animal models and bench models. Extended reality-based training methods are a rapidly growing area within surgical education, including microsurgery. However, there is a notable gap in the current literature examining the impact of these novel modalities in comparison to more established models and other educational interventions. Research aim This systematic review aims to examine the following question: what effect do extended reality-based educational interventions have on microsurgical skills training of healthcare professionals and students compared to other educational interventions? Methods A systematic search of five literature databases will be undertaken using a clearly defined search strategy. Studies utilizing extended reality simulation methods to teach microsurgical skills to healthcare professionals undertaking this form of surgery will be included. Studies considering any quantitative or qualitative educational outcome assessment will be accepted for inclusion. Two authors will independently screen, select, extract and appraise the resultant literature based upon agreed data extraction templates, overseen by a senior author. The systematic approach includes the use of established frameworks and will be reported in accordance with best practice guidelines. Conclusions A comprehensive protocol for a systematic review examining the impact of extended reality training modalities compared to existing simulation methods is needed to assess and synthesize the current knowledge status of this field. The subsequent report will be a pivotal step in understanding the role and effectiveness of extended reality-based education within microsurgical training.