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Incidence of and risk factors for nodding off at scientific sessions
Kenneth Rockwood1, David B Hogan, Christopher J Patterson
1Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
Abstract:
We conducted a surreptitious, prospective, cohort study to explore how often physicians nod off during scientific meetings and to examine risk factors for nodding off. After counting the number of heads falling forward during 2 days of lectures, we calculated the incidence density curves for nodding-off episodes per lecture (NOELs) and assessed risk factors using logistic regression analysis. In this article we report our eye-opening results and suggest ways speakers can try to avoid losing their audience.
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