Eye-tracking during simulation-based neonatal airway management

Pediatr Res. 2020 Feb;87(3):518-522. doi: 10.1038/s41390-019-0571-9. Epub 2019 Sep 9.

Abstract

Background: Eye-tracking devices help to understand provider behavior during medical tasks. The aim of this study was to assess participants' gaze behavior and usability of eye-tracking glasses during airway management in a simulated neonatal resuscitation.

Methods: This study was an observational simulation-based study. The team member assigned to airway management wore head-mounted eye-tracking glasses. Main outcome measures were airway providers' gaze, dwell time (total amount of time a participant fixates certain areas of interest), and usability of eye-tracking glasses.

Results: Data from 13 participants were included. There were significant differences in dwell time during the scenario (p < 0.001), with participants spending twice as much time on the newborn and instruments as on the monitor and other staff. Participants spent about 25% more time focusing on another provider while the provider was inserting the umbilical vein catheter than in all other times of interest (intervals of time with meaningful events) (p = 0.04). The use of the glasses was perceived easy and not disturbing.

Conclusions: Eye-tracking glasses enhance our understanding of providers' gaze and perspective during simulated neonatal airway management. Future studies will better characterize the ideal use in real situations.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Airway Management*
  • Attention
  • Clinical Competence
  • Eye-Tracking Technology
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Fixation, Ocular*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / diagnosis
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / physiopathology
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / therapy*
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Male
  • Resuscitation*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Simulation Training*
  • Students, Medical*
  • Time Factors