A Scoping Review of Low-Cost AR/VR for Medical Training in Conflict and Low-resource Settings

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the use of low-cost AR/VR technologies for medical training in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings, where ongoing instability and infrastructure collapse have made conventional training increasingly difficult. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a systematic search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore covering publications from 2020 to 2026, resulting in 26 studies selected for final analysis. The review found that low-cost AR/VR tools consistently improved learners' knowledge and technical skills, with some studies reporting up to a 46% increase in task accuracy. Affordable hardware such as Meta Quest 2, Google Cardboard, and smartphone-based applications were the most frequently cited solutions. However, significant barriers remain, including unstable internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, cybersickness, and the absence of locally relevant training content. These findings suggest that low-cost immersive technologies hold clear potential for medical training in unstable settings, but their long-term effectiveness requires further investigation, particularly regarding offline functionality and culturally adapted content.