Effect of monitor positioning on visual attention and situation awareness during neonatal resuscitation: a randomised simulation study.

OBJECTIVES

To compare situation awareness (SA), visual attention (VA) and protocol adherence in simulated neonatal resuscitations using two different monitor positions.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled simulation study.

SETTINGS

Simulation lab at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthcare providers (HCPs) with Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification within the last 2 years and trained in neonatal endotracheal intubations.

INTERVENTION

HCPs were randomised to either central (eye-level on the radiant warmer) or peripheral (above eye-level, wall-mounted) monitor positions. Each led a complex resuscitation with a high-fidelity mannequin and a standardised assistant. To measure SA, situation awareness global assessment tool (SAGAT) was used, where simulations were paused at three predetermined points, with five questions asked each pause. Videos were analysed for SAGAT and adherence to a NRP checklist. Eye-tracking glasses recorded participants' VA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome was SA as measured by composite SAGAT score. Secondary outcomes included VA and adherence to NRP checklist.

RESULTS

Thirty simulations were performed; 29 were completed per protocol and analysed. Twenty-two eye-tracking recordings were of sufficient quality and analysed. Median composite SAGAT was 11.5/15 central versus 11/15 peripheral, p=0.56. Checklist scores 46/50 central versus 46/50 peripheral, p=0.75. Most VA was directed at the mannequin (30.6% central vs 34.1% peripheral, p=0.76), and the monitor (28.7% central vs 20.5% peripheral, p=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation, SAGAT and eye-tracking can be used to evaluate human factors of neonatal resuscitation. During simulated neonatal resuscitation, monitor position did not affect SA, VA or protocol adherence.