Observations
‘Gaze training’ aids surgical trainees
Study shows eye-locking promotes concentration
A study by researchers at the University of Exeter has found that trainee surgeons learn technical surgical skills more quickly when they are taught to mimic the eye movements of experts. The findings, which have been published in Surgical Endoscopy journal, could transform the way surgeons are prepared for the operating theatre.
The researchers devised a “gaze training programme” which taught the trainees “expert visual control patterns”. Thirty medical students were divided into three groups undertaking one type of training. One group was taught how to use the surgical instruments; another was left to learn independently; and the other was taught using the “gaze training technique” in which students were shown a video captured by an eye tracker. This showed where and when the surgeon’s eyes were fixed during a simulated surgical procedure.
The group undertook the task wearing an eye-tracking device and was encouraged to use the same eye movements as the surgeon.
Students learned to “lock” their eyes to a critical location when performing complex movements using surgical instruments.
The technique, adopted by experienced surgeons, led student away from simply tracking the tip of the surgical tool, encouraging accuracy and avoiding distraction from the surrounding environment.
After repeating the task, students’ eye movements were found to mimic those of a surgeon at work.
Dr Samuel Vine, of the University of Exeter, says: “These individuals were also able to successfully multi-task without their technical skills breaking down, something that we know experienced surgeons are capable of doing in the operating theatre. Teaching eye movements rather than the motor skills may have reduced the working memory required to complete the task. This may be why they were able to multi-task while the other groups were not,” Dr Vine says.
The findings suggest that trainees could be prepared earlier for the operating room by gaining more hands-on surgical experience, which may be welcomed following tighter government budgets and new EU working time directives.
The research team is now following up with an analysis of the eye movements of surgeons performing real-life operations and is working towards developing a software training package to guide trainees..
