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A novel approach: Simulating multiple simultaneous encounters to assess multitasking ability in emergency medicine
Wen-Cheng Huang1,2,3,4, Shih-Chang Hsu1,2, Chih-Hao Yang1,2
1Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Plos One
|September 28, 2021
Summary
This study developed a new simulation tool to assess multitasking skills in physicians-in-training. The validated tool effectively measures multitasking ability and provides better feedback for improving clinical performance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Simulation-Based Assessment
- Physician Training
Background:
- Effective assessment of multitasking competency is crucial for physician training.
- Current methods may not adequately capture the complexities of simultaneous task management in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel assessment tool and scoring system for evaluating physician multitasking competency.
- To assess multitasking ability in a timed, simulated clinical environment.
Main Methods:
- Designed single-task stations of varying difficulty and priority, combined into a multitasking simulation scenario.
- Utilized skill checklists and a global rating scale for performance assessment.
- Developed specific scores: multitasking score, multitasking index, and priority score.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three first-year postgraduate physicians participated in the prospective study.
- Performance scores were significantly lower, and time spent was higher in the multitasking scenario compared to single-tasking.
- Significant correlations were found between the global rating scale and both the multitasking score and multitasking index.
Conclusions:
- A simulated multitasking scenario is an effective method for assessing physician multitasking ability.
- This approach enables assessors to provide higher quality, targeted feedback to trainees.
