Play and Learn: Gamified Feedback for Ultrasound-Guided Catheter Insertion Training in Virtual Reality

TL;DR

This study investigates how gamification in VR ultrasound-guided catheter training improves performance, usability, and workload, demonstrating its potential as effective formative feedback for medical trainees.

Contribution

It introduces a gamified VR simulator with aligned visual and auditory feedback, showing positive effects on performance and user experience across expertise levels.

Findings

Gamification reduced task completion time.

It improved usability and lowered workload.

Qualitative feedback indicated increased confidence and goal clarity.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is widely used for procedural medical training, yet most simulators emphasize realism while providing limited formative feedback. We examine how gamification affects performance, workload, and experiential quality in VR training for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. We developed a gamified simulator with semantically aligned visual and auditory feedback (e.g., progress indicators, alignment guidance, rewards) while preserving procedural fidelity. Two studies were conducted with novices (N=24) and clinicians (N=12). Results showed that gamification reduced task time, improved usability, and lowered workload across expertise levels. Qualitative findings indicate improved goal clarity and confidence for novices and better pacing for experts. Overall, gamification can function as an effective formative feedback in VR medical training.