RA-UK Project Grant
The successful applicant for the RA-UK Project Grant was:
Prof Graeme McLeod
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
Title
Objective measurement of regional block performance using new eye tracking technology
Amount
£5,000
Scientific Abstract
There is a need for valid, objective metrics for simulated nerve block training. We received an NIAA BJA/RCoA project grant in order to validate our metrics; compare training on a pork shoulder with cadaver training; and look at the best mode of educating trainees. We have developed two metrics for simulated interscalene block - task and error metrics and eye gaze tracking.
The benefits of eye gaze tracking are that it identifies different patterns of learning and discriminates between good, average and poor performers. However, manual analysis of eye tracking data is both laborious and intense.
Since the award of the project grant, new eye tracking technology, with improved software and semi-automated analysis, has become available. There is a new tracker available which is lightweight and easy to use. We wish to explore whether this newly available tracker is as reliable as traditional trackers, if additional measurements available within the software are more informative than standard measures and whether we can provide better and quicker feedback at less cost. The new trackers will be incorporated into the existing study workplans and measure interscalene block training on soft embalmed cadavers and testing on patients.
