The MED1stMR consortium gathered in Zurich and, after one day of preparation, presented the last 18 months of internal consortium work to the EU project officer and two expert advisors.
The project was presented according to the four main objectives, by showing the contributions of each partner to the common goals:
Objective 1: Mixed Reality Solution
The technology partners presented the current status of the system architecture and integration of the middleware, the mixed reality tool, the scenario editing options to deliver variation before and during training, as well as the integration of the simulation manikin for the haptic experience and the MR scenario training and medical training. Real-time full-body tracking, trainer monitoring and debriefing options combined with a high-fidelity, VR-enabled patient simulation manikin ensured a detailed haptic experience for higher immersion and learning effects.
Objective 2: Training Framework
Based on an agile methodology, end-users are involved in the project from the beginning considering their needs and requirements towards functionality and scenarios as well as their daily context and the analysis of current mass casualty real-life training simulation. This input is and will be continuously transferred to user stories ready for the technology partners to implement. Enhanced with the implementation of various virtual assets such as avatars and their wounds, cars, environments and medical tools, this objective supports the development of a training framework with guidelines for mixed reality scenario-based mass casualty training for medical first responders. For this framework, a scientific model was developed (also see: scientific model) and will be validated throughout the project with pre-studies already executed. In addition, team performance during training is also an essential factor that will be considered.
Objective 3: Smart Scenario Control
Training and the mixed reality solution are one part of the project, but the consortium also wants to consider the stress level of the trainees during the training. Therefore the status of the biosignals measurement device (wearable) was presented together with the plans for the integration and measurement, and interpretation of data. Combined with a dashboard for the trainer to monitor the performance, the integration in the mixed reality training solution will bring medical first responder training to another level.
Objective 4: Europe-Wide Positioning
Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation are important factors for a successful project. Without a generated impact, the work of the consortium will not be seen externally. Therefore, all members of the consortium will keep presenting results and raising awareness on the topic.
End User Point of View
After the presentation of each project objective and the current progress, 2 of the end-user partners presented their views on the current state. They talked about their continuous involvement in the project (e.g. requirements workshops on site, real-life simulation training observation etc.) and their future expectations and contributions. MED1stMR has been an end-user-centred project from the beginning, which could be demonstrated during the midterm review. Enthusiasm and involvement of all partners are essential drivers for success.
Technical Demonstration
After these theoretical impressions, the mixed reality training tool was demonstrated. End-users showed how training processes are foreseen, and the reviewers on-site had the possibility to try out the system. It was a fruitful discussion on the advantages and challenges virtual training will bring to the mass casualty preparedness of European first responders.
On the review day, the consortium could show the efforts invested, the progress made, and the first tangible results on all levels. Now that MED1stMR received positive feedback and the consortium was able to align and discuss the challenges of the project, the phase to deliver all planned and prepared content is starting. The second half of the project will be filled with data gathering, analysing, adapting, and close agile development between end users and technology. There will be many opportunities (webinars, field trials, events, the final conference etc.) to see a presentation of the project results. So, stay tuned to find out more about MED1stMR – the mixed reality training solution for European medical first responders.
