Development and Face and Content Validation of Augmedicine: Ultrasound—An Extended Reality Application for Ultrasound Training

Abstract

Objectives: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a bedside imaging technique increasingly taught to physicians and medical students. Beginners often face challenges with probe orientation and hand–eye coordination. Extended reality (XR) can enhance POCUS education by projecting a 3D anatomical model onto a phantom or patient, providing unlimited training and direct feedback on probe orientation and image acquisition. We developed Augmedicine: Ultrasound, an XR application for training point-of-care echocardiography. This study evaluates the face and content validity of the application. Methods: Three groups (novices, intermediates and experts in ultrasonography) were invited to complete tasks using the application. Following these tasks, all participants filled out a questionnaire to rate realism, didactic value, and usability of the application using a 5-point Likert-scale and open-ended questions. Results: A total of 61 participants (43 novices, 10 intermediates, 8 experts) completed the evaluation. The application was recognised as a valuable tool for novice training, with 95% indicating that it is useful to enhance spatial understanding and 77% for improving hand–eye coordination. Anatomical accuracy was rated positively by 90% of participants, and 69% found the application easy to use. Experts highlighted its potential for expansion, such as inclusion of procedural skills and pathology training. Conclusion: Our XR ultrasound application demonstrated face and content validity for echocardiography training. It holds promise as a complementary tool to traditional methods, supporting novice learners by improving spatial understanding and reducing reliance on instructors and test subjects. Future iterations will address technical optimisations, improve realism, and evaluate the application's learning effect.