Gamification and virtual reality for teaching mobile x-ray imaging

Mobile x-ray devices like C-arms are routinely used in the operating room to assist in surgical interventions. C-arms need to be adequately operated to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and intraoperative delays. We present a simulation-based training system to support training of operating room personnel in a virtual environment. To make learning more efficient and enjoyable we integrated aspects of gamification. In a game-like setting the user has to generate specific radiographs of a virtual patient. Game points are awarded with regard to image accuracy time needed and overall radiation exposure. To learn basics of C-arm handling and x-ray imaging non-medical objects can be examined as a first step. A virtual reality interface is provided to allow the user to interact with the C-arm in a more realistic way. User evaluations show that this approach is widely appreciated as providing a user-friendly and sufficiently realistic training tool with a high educational value for intraoperative C-arm imaging.