The 6G-PATH (6G-Pilots and Trials Through Europe) project at Karlstad University has entered a new phase where the technology is being tested in practice. The goal of the project is to enhance healthcare education by utilizing advanced communication technologies such as 5G and 6G, combined with Extended Reality (XR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
A central component of the project is the use of an advanced patient simulator, a manikin that can mimic various medical conditions and reactions. With the help of 6G technology, the manikin is planned to be used in more realistic environments, such as simulated accident scenes, providing students with a more authentic training experience.
"Advanced mobile technology enables interactive training in environments that were previously difficult to recreate in the classroom," says Anna Brunström, professor of computer science and project leader at Karlstad University.
At the end of April, the project entered the testing phase when the patient simulator was moved to a fictional accident scene. The scenario involved an elderly man collapsing during a walk with his son, and an ambulance arriving at the scene. Two specialist-trained ambulance nurses attended to the man. The patient simulator was connected via the university's advanced 5G testbed, and the scenario was captured by multiple cameras. This allowed the patient simulator to be controlled remotely, and the captured video streams enable students to participate in realistic medical scenarios from various locations.
The technology also has the potential to support healthcare professionals in emergency situations.
"By using body-worn equipment with cameras, ambulance nurses can receive assistance through remote medical support when needed for medication orders and treatment in complex situations," says Anders Sidenblad, lecturer in nursing and one of the researchers in the project.
Project Scope and Recognition
6G-PATH is a three-year EU-funded project with 26 partners from 13 countries and a total budget of over 12 million euros. Karlstad University is responsible for one of the use cases within one of the four main areas: Education. The project has been recognized by being included in the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) 100-list for 2024, highlighting its potential to create tangible societal benefits.
With trials as the next step, the project's technical performance was evaluated, and video was collected to assess the user benefits of the new solutions.
"This day marked an important milestone in the development of future healthcare education," says Anders Sidenblad, who is also the program director for the specialist nursing program with a focus on ambulance care at Karlstad University.
Facts
The EU has granted 12.571 million euros, with Karlstad University's share being 566,250 euros. There are 26 partners from 13 countries participating, and the project will run for three years.
