What if you could train the next generation of surgeons to the highest possible standard…without them setting foot in an operating room? Digital avatars could make this a reality. Intelligent digital avatars – 3D holographic bodies powered by an artificial intelligence brain – are driving change across industries. They are perhaps most visible for their work as customer service assistants, brand ambassadors and guides. But these 3D avatars aren’t reserved for customer facing roles in retail and event spaces. They are set to have an incredible impact on the way we educate medical professionals, particularly surgeons. These avatars provide a modern, innovative and, increasingly, essential alternative to cadavers. But they could also promote more effective education for students, a more efficient approach for training providers and, ultimately, better service for patients.
Could Digital Avatars Train Better Surgeons?
Surgeons and medical professionals specialise in treating humans, not humanoids (for now, at least!) so, of course, there’s really no replacement for them practising on real people. However, technology can play an important role in allowing trainees to build their confidence and skill level to a higher standard before working with human bodies.
1. Immersive, Engaging Education
In the earlier stages of learning, 3D avatars provide a much more immersive and interactive learning experience than 2D materials and lectures. This kind of learning promotes higher levels of engagement and better recall, making for a more effective educational experience. In addition, 3D holography presents an opportunity for realistic simulations that accurately portray the complexities of real-world scenarios in a way that traditional learning materials simply cannot.
2. Confidence Building
Once it’s time to put theory into practice, working with 3D digital avatars provides a safe, low-stakes environment for trainees to hone their skills. The virtual nature of this role play takes the pressure off, allowing students to learn at their own pace and focus without being too distracted by nerves. With technology as their foundation, avatar-based learning approaches could also enable instant feedback and long-term performance tracking, allowing for accelerated learning and easier identification of areas for improvement.
3. Skills Development
The ability to safely repeat test procedures with the same conditions over and over again introduces a new level of skills development for surgeons. This level of on-demand learning combined with traditional cadaver and real-world supervised practice will ensure that surgeons step into their first roles with a higher level of experience than ever before.
How Digital Avatars Benefit Medical Training Providers
Better trained and more confident surgeons is, of course, a great thing for those who trained them. But digital avatars present further benefits for medical training providers too.
1. Ethical Training Solutions
While cadaver practice is standard, it is not without its ethical complexities. Concerns surrounding the informed consent of donors, the respectful procurement of bodies and the need to uphold dignity for the deceased are increasingly being recognised. In some cases, the use of unclaimed bodies raises significant ethical questions about autonomy and respect. Digital avatars offer a compelling alternative, providing a rich learning experience without these inherent ethical challenges.
2. Sustainable Approach
As well as being ethically tricky, cadavers are also expensive. In addition to procurement, there are costs associated with proper preservation, storage and disposal. Plus, each cadaver can only be used a limited number of times. 3D avatars, while they may require a significant initial investment, present a scalable, reusable solution. Training scenarios can easily be modified and updated as new techniques emerge and professional standards change, making these avatars a truly long-term investment.
3. Innovative Brand Image
3D holography is an emerging technology that shows huge promise. Trainers who adopt digital avatars early will set themselves apart from competition and establish their image as a forward-thinking, innovative brand. This perception will ensure they attract the best talent, and implementing digital avatar technology will ensure that these students end their courses satisfied.
A Better Future For All
Digital avatars are not here to replace existing systems but rather to augment them. This powerful combination of 3D holography and artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change the face of medical education, leading to better outcomes for training providers, trainee surgeons and the patients they go on to treat. It’s not a question of if digital avatars will become the norm but how soon. If your business is ready to lead by example, get in touch now to explore how digital avatars could work for you.
