Applying Stress Management Techniques in Augmented Reality: Stress Induction and Reduction in Healthcare Providers During Virtual Triage Simulation

Exposure to realistic stressful situations during an educational program may help mitigate the effects of stress on performance. We explored how virtual humans in an augmented reality environment induce stress. We also explored if users can effectively utilize stress management techniques taught during a simulation. We conducted a within-subjects pilot experiment (n=12) using an exploratory mixed-method design with a series of virtual patients using the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) system. This work proposes a need to explore how realistic scenarios using virtual humans can induce stress, and which techniques are most effective in reducing user stress in virtual simulations.