Eye-tracking during simulation-based neonatal airway management

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.

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.

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.

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.