Table 1 Applications and features of AR and VR anatomy resources
Digital anatomy resources | Applicable anatomy content | Identified limitations | Curricula recommendation | User training requirement | Initial setup cost ($AUD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AR | Anatomage Table | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy Pathophysiology | Image resolution and fidelity needs to improve Some fine neurovascular structures and variations are missing | Undergraduate anatomy courses Combine with a second digital tool with complementary features | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | > $120,000 per hardware and software package Annual software upgrade optional |
Visible Body | Systematic, regional Neuroanatomy Common pathologies | Stylized images | Undergraduate anatomy courses | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | ~ $40/year/license/person Institution packages available | |
Biodigital | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Pathophysiology | If students do not have access to Studio view this can limit functionality of embedded links | Undergraduate anatomy courses Student-led independent study | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | ~ $20/year/license/person Institution package available | |
VH dissector | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy | 2D images only | Undergraduate anatomy courses Postgraduate anatomy courses Combine with another digital tool with complementary features | Minimum training required Manageable for novice users | ~ $1,000 per software Touchscreen optional | |
Sectra Table | Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy Pathophysiology | Substantial initial set up and ongoing license cost Stable internet connection required | Advanced anatomy curricula including medicine | Required for learners More in-depth training required for educators | ~ $200,000 /hardware and software package Substantial ongoing license fee for instructor and student subscriptions | |
Radiopaedia | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy Radiographic imaging | Currently available in English language only Basic user interface | Advanced anatomy curricula including medicine | Training not required | Free to access | |
VR | HoloLens | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy Pathology | Cost and equipment availability Limited for large cohort teaching simultaneously Choice of apps limit use | Undergraduate anatomy Postgraduate anatomy including procedural training | Required for learners and educators | ~ $5500 per headset Apps can be developed in-house or purchased Individual subscription or institution package available |
3D Organon | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy | Require VR headset Require adequate user space Motion sickness | Undergraduate anatomy courses | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | ~ $600/ software license/year ~ $500/VR headset (128 GB) | |
Sharecare YOU | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Neuroanatomy Pathophysiology | Lack details in some body systems (e.g. neuroanatomy) Requires VR headset Adequate space for use, motion sickness | Undergraduate anatomy Combine with a second digital tool with complementary features | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | ~ $1000/software Additional cost for VR headsets Annual software upgrade optional | |
Medicalholodeck | Systemic (somatic and visceral) anatomy Regional anatomy Pathology (Medical Imaging XR only) | File downloading time consuming Require stable internet connection Require VR headset Require adequate user space Motion sickness | Advanced anatomy courses including medicine | Required for learners and educators Manageable for novice users | ~ $3000 for 3-part suite software $1000 for XR only | |