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Mutual information-based teamwork evaluation in real-world environments: an exploratory investigation with
Vincenzo Ronca1,2, Lidia Castagneto Gissey3, Maria Irene Bellini3
1Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering "Antonio Ruberti", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Frontiers in Network Physiology
|September 22, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an objective, electroencephalogram (EEG)-based teamwork index for surgical teams. This neurophysiological measure reliably assesses cooperative behavior and distinguishes expert from novice surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Technology
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Objective assessment of teamwork is crucial but challenged by limitations in subjective and behavioral metrics.
- Existing methods struggle to capture unconscious cognitive and emotional processes inherent in team interactions.
- There's a need for reliable, objective measures of teamwork, especially in high-stakes environments like surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, objective teamwork evaluation index using neurophysiological signals (EEG).
- To assess the reliability of this EEG-based index in real-world surgical teams.
- To provide supervisors with objective insights for healthcare training and performance evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electroencephalograms (EEGs) from surgical teams during real-world surgeries.
- Developed an objective teamwork index based on mutual information (MI) analysis of EEG signals.
- Investigated the reliability and added value of the EEG-based index compared to conventional measures.
Main Results:
- The EEG-based teamwork index demonstrated significant reliability and added value over traditional metrics (R > 0.62, p < 0.002).
- The index successfully differentiated between expert and novice surgeons based on cooperative behavior (p < 0.001).
- EEG signals provided objective insights into team dynamics and individual contributions.
Conclusions:
- The developed EEG-based teamwork index offers a reliable and objective method for evaluating surgical team performance.
- This neurophysiological approach enhances healthcare training by providing granular feedback on cooperative behavior.
- The findings support the broader application of neurophysiological measurements for optimizing teamwork and safety across various operational fields.
