Using Eye Tracking for Measuring Cognitive Workload During Clinical Simulations: Literature Review and Synthesis. Issue 9 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilbanks, Bryan A.; Aroke, Edwin; Dudding, Katherine M.
• Is Part Of: Computers, informatics, nursing. Volume 39:Issue 9(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Clinical simulation -- Cognitive workload -- Eye tracking -- Pupil response; Nursing -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 610.730285
• DOI: 10.1097/CIN.0000000000000704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1538-2931

Abstract

Abstract : High-fidelity clinical simulations can be used by clinicians to acquire technical (physical ability and knowledge) and non-technical (cognitive and social processes) skills. Excessive cognitive workload contributes to medical errors because of the impact on both technical and non-technical skills. Many studies measure cognitive workload with psychometric instruments that limit the assessment of cognitive workload to a single time period and may involve response bias. Using eye tracking to measure task-evoked pupillary responses allows the measurement of changes in pupil diameter related to the cognitive workload associated with a specific activity. Incorporating eye tracking with high-fidelity clinical simulations provides a reliable and continuous assessment of cognitive workload. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the use of eye-tracking technology to measure cognitive workload of healthcare providers to generate evidence-based guidelines for measuring cognitive workload during high-fidelity clinical simulations. What this manuscript adds to the body of literature is a summary of best practices related to the different methods of measuring cognitive workload, benefits and limitations of using eye tracking, and high-fidelity clinical simulation design considerations for successful integration of eye tracking.