Background: Existing XR simulators for enteral feeding rely mainly on self-reported learning outcomes and procedural checklists. As a result, they offer limited opportunities to capture objective behavioral data or to present dynamic patient reactions. This two-stage pilot study evaluated an XR-based gastrostomy tube-feeding simulator (ESTE-TF) that integrates sensor-derived performance metrics and two biological-reaction presentation modalities (projection mapping and tablet display). Methods: In Experiment 1, nursing students completed pre- and post-experience questionnaires assessing perceived learning across seven domains, alongside sensor-based measurements of feeding-start timing, dosing-rate characteristics, and total procedure time. Experiment 2 employed a tablet-based version with four learning items assessed for students and post-experience evaluations collected from registered nurses. Participants also compared the two XR presentation methods. Results: Students demonstrated perceived learning gains of small-to-large magnitude across both experiments (Experiment 1: d = 0.455–0.974; Experiment 2: d = 0.014–0.886), with wide 95% confidence intervals reflecting the exploratory nature of this pilot work. Sensor-derived data showed greater dosing-rate variability and longer procedure times among students than nurses. Participants reported that projection mapping offered a more embodied experience, whereas tablet displays provided clearer visibility. Conclusions: These findings indicate the feasibility and preliminary educational potential of integrating sensing technologies with XR-based biological-reaction presentation for gastrostomy-feeding training. Given the small samples and non-validated measures, results should be interpreted as exploratory. Future research will refine sensor accuracy, establish standardized performance metrics, and evaluate learning outcomes using validated instruments and controlled study designs.
Colley et al. (Fri,) studied this question.