The use of immersive technologies in learning about postpartum hemorrhage: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its proper management requires both technical and non-technical skills. This study describes the protocol for a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of immersive technologies in training healthcare professionals in the management of this obstetric emergency. This protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD420250614446). The search will be performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Enfispo and CUIDEN. Intervention studies (clinical trials - randomized or non-randomized) and quasi-experimental studies will be included. The risk of bias will be assessed using appropriate tools according to study design: the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB 2) tool for randomized controlled trials and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for non-randomized and quasi-experimental studies. Two independent researchers will conduct all assessments, and any disagreements will be consulted with a third reviewer. The data analysis and synthesis will be performed using Review Manager software version 5.4. We will conduct the study in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The review will summarize the current evidence on the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality in education and training for postpartum hemorrhage management. The planned systematic review will identify and synthesize the available evidence on how immersive technologies may improve learning about postpartum hemorrhage.