User Experience with Lumbar Puncture Simulators in Geriatric Medicine Training: A Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND Lumbar puncture in geriatrics can be challenging, requiring technical skill and operator confidence. Simulation provides a valuable opportunity for medical students to practice in a safe environment. Despite the potential of augmented reality simulators, their impact on user experience (UX) across different levels of clinical expertise remains insufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the user experience of two lumbar puncture simulators: M43E (Kyoto Kagaku), a static anatomical model commonly used in French simulation centers, and the Sim&Care 2 (InSimo), an augmented reality simulator with haptic feedback that is less widely implemented in routine training curricula. METHODS This single-center UX study, conducted at the University Hospital of Angers, used a cross-sectional within-subject design among 30 participants (7 Graduated physicians, 16 postgraduate medical students, 7 sixth-year second-cycle medical students), involved 15-minutes use of each simulator. Participants completed a user experience questionnaire (realism, ease of use, perceived educational value), followed by a comparative questionnaire. Non-parametric paired and group comparisons were performed. RESULTS The Sim&Care 2 was considered more realistic, providing better sensations (P=.003) and helped participants learn something new (P=.005). The M43E was considered simpler to use (P=.013). No significant difference was observed in overall satisfaction. Concerning overall preference, graduated physicians favored the Sim&Care 2 model for its anatomical realism and haptic feedback, while sixth-year second cycle medical students preferred the M43E model for its realistic procedure execution. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the complementarity of the simulators and the need to select the appropriate simulator for training according to the learners’ level of expertise: traditional mannequin-based simulation for initial procedural familiarization and augmented reality simulation to enhance three-dimensional anatomical understanding and sensory feedback.
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7154692905