The impact of eye-tracking on patient safety in critical care

Where do ICU trainees really look? An eye-tracking analysis of gaze patterns during central venous catheter insertion

BACKGROUND

There is limited knowledge about gaze patterns of intensive care unit (ICU) trainee doctors during the insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC). The primary objective of this study was to examine visual patterns exhibited by ICU trainee doctors during CVC insertion. Additionally, the study investigated whether differences in gaze patterns could be identified between more and less experienced trainee doctors.

METHODS

In a real-life, prospective observational study conducted at the interdisciplinary ICU at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, ICU trainee doctors underwent eye-tracking during CVC insertion in a real ICU patient. Using mixed-effects model analyses, the primary outcomes were dwell time, first fixation duration, revisits, fixation count, and average fixation time on different areas of interest (AOI). Secondary outcomes were above eye-tracking outcome measures stratified according to experience level of participants.

RESULTS

Eighteen participants were included, of whom 10 were inexperienced and eight more experienced. Dwell time was highest for CVC preparation table (p = 0.02), jugular vein on ultrasound image (p < 0.001) and cervical puncture location (p < 0.001). Concerning experience, dwell time and revisits on jugular vein on ultrasound image (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively) and cervical puncture location (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively) were decreased in more experienced ICU trainees.

CONCLUSIONS

Various AOIs have distinct significance for ICU trainee doctors during CVC insertion. Experienced participants exhibited different gaze behavior, requiring less attention for preparation and handling tasks, emphasizing the importance of hand-eye coordination.

Prehospital ultrasound constitutes a potential distraction from the observation of critically ill patients: a prospective simulation study

BACKGROUND

Prehospital point-of-care ultrasound allows an unstable patient to be rapidly and accurately assessed. However, we are concerned that an excessive focus on the ultrasound device, in an already demanding emergency medical service environment, may distract from patient care, potentially leading to reduced situational awareness and the neglect of other crucial instruments, such as the patient monitor. Thus, in this study, we examined the influence of prehospital ultrasound on situational awareness, by studying the degree to which physicians were distracted from the patient monitor.

METHODS

We observed HEMS physicians in a simulated setting and analysed their gaze behaviour using an eye tracker placed on three areas of interests: the ultrasound device, the patient and the patient monitor. In the course of the experiment, the simulated patient desaturated, which was presented on the patient monitor. The primary outcome was the fraction of gaze distribution across the three areas of interest, while secondary outcomes were different gaze metrics (dwell time, revisits, average duration of visual intake and entry time) on the patient monitor. We then compared the participants who noticed the patient's deterioration with those who did not.

RESULTS

In 75% of cases, the severely decreased oxygen saturation went unnoticed during the test. Moreover, the gaze distribution of the two groups differed, with the group that recognised the deterioration focusing longer on the patient monitor (7.8% (95% CI 5-10.7) vs 0.1% (95% CI 0-0.3), p: 0.124).

CONCLUSIONS

The task of performing an ultrasound examination appears to overwhelm some participants and distract them from other aspects of the scenario. Efforts to mitigate distractions and optimise the use of prehospital ultrasound, such as education, a focus on human factors aspects and standardisation, are crucial for maximising the potential benefits of prehospital ultrasound.

Eye tracking during a simulated start of shift safety check: An observational analysis of gaze behavior of critical care nurses

Background

The handover and associated shift start checks by nurses of critical care patients are complex and prone to errors. However, which aspects lead to errors remains unknown. Fewer errors might occur in a structured approach. We hypothesized that specific gaze behavior during handover and shift start safety check correlates with error recognition.

Methods

In our observational eye tracking study, we analyzed gaze behavior of critical care nurses during handover and shift start safety check in a simulation room with built-in errors. Four areas of interest (AOI) were pre-defined (patient, respirator, prescriptions, monitor). The primary outcome were different gaze metrics (time to first fixation, revisits, first visual intake duration, average visual intake duration, dwell time) on AOIs. Parameters were analyzed by taking all errors in account, and by dividing them into minor and critical.

Results

Forty-three participants were included. All participants committed at least a minor error (n = 43, 100%), at least one critical error occurred in 29 participants (67%). Taking all errors into account, longer time to first fixation and more revisits were associated with an increased risk of missing errors (Time to First Fixation: OR 1.099 (95% CI 1.023-1.191, p = 0.0002), Revisits: OR 1.080 (95% CI 1.025-1.143, p = 0.0055)).

Conclusion

Error detection during shift start safety check was associated with distinct gaze behavior. Nurses who recognized more errors had a shorter time to first fixation and less revisits. These gaze characteristics might correspond to a more structured approach. Further research is necessary, for example by implementing a checklist, to reduce errors in the future and improve patient safety.

Eye-Tracking Technology in Dentistry: A Review of Literature

This narrative review explores the integration of eye-tracking technology in dentistry, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its current applications and potential benefits. The review begins by elucidating the fundamental principles of eye tracking, encompassing the various eye-tracking methods and devices commonly used in dental research. It then delves into the role of eye tracking in dental education, where the technology offers a unique perspective on students' visual attention during training and skill acquisition. Moreover, the review examines how eye tracking can aid in assessing and improving dental practitioners' clinical performance, shedding light on areas of improvement and expertise. In patient care, the application of eye-tracking technology offers significant potential. By analyzing patients' gaze patterns and visual focus during dental procedures, clinicians can gain valuable insights into their experiences, identifying sources of anxiety and discomfort. This newfound understanding can pave the way for more patient-centric care and optimized treatment plans. The review also explores the application of eye-tracking technology in designing and evaluating dental interfaces and equipment. By assessing visual ergonomics and usability, researchers can develop user-friendly instruments that enhance dental professionals' workflow and efficiency. However, despite its promise, integrating eye tracking in dentistry is not without challenges. Technical limitations, data analysis complexities, and ethical considerations require careful attention to ensure this technology's ethical and responsible use. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights the growing significance of eye-tracking technology in dentistry. Its applications span dental education, clinical practice, and patient care, holding immense potential to revolutionize how dental procedures are conducted, evaluated, and experienced. Nevertheless, further research and collaboration between dental professionals and eye-tracking experts are necessary to unlock the technology's benefits and ensure its seamless integration into dental practices.

Eye-tracking to observe compliance with hand hygiene in the intensive care unit: a randomized feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infections are associated with increased patient mortality. Hand hygiene is the most effective method to reduce these infections. Despite simplification of this easy intervention, compliance with hand disinfection remains low. Current assessment of hand hygiene is mainly based on observation by hygiene specialists. The aim of this study was to investigate additional benefits of eye-tracking during the analysis of hand hygiene compliance of healthcare professionals in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

In a simulated, randomized crossover study conducted at the interdisciplinary intensive care unit at University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, doctors and nurses underwent eye-tracking and completed two everyday tasks (injection of 10 μg norepinephrine via a central venous line, blood removal from the central line) in two scenarios where the locations of alcoholic dispensers differed ('in-sight' and 'out-of-sight'). The primary outcomes were dwell time, revisits, first fixation duration and average fixation duration on three areas of interest (central venous line, alcohol dispenser, protective glove box) for both scenarios. Compliance with hand hygiene guidelines was analysed.

FINDINGS

Forty-nine participants (35 nurses, 14 doctors) were included in this study. Eye-tracking provided additional useful information compared with conventional observations. Dwell time, revisits, first fixation duration and average fixation duration did not differ between the two scenarios for all areas of interest. Overall compliance with recommended hand hygiene measures was low in both doctors (mean 20%) and nurses (mean 42.9%).

CONCLUSION

Compared with conventional observations, eye-tracking offered additional helpful insights and provided an in-depth analysis of gaze patterns during the recording of hand hygiene compliance in the intensive care unit.