Medical imaging training with eye movement modeling examples: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose

To determine whether ultrasound training in which the expert’s eye movements are superimposed to the underlying ultrasound video (eye movement modeling examples; EMMEs) leads to better learner outcomes than traditional eye movement-free instructions.

Materials and methods

106 undergraduate medical students were randomized in two groups; 51 students in the EMME group watched 5-min ultrasound examination videos combined with the eye movements of an expert performing the task. The identical videos without the eye movements were shown to 55 students in the control group. Performance and behavioral parameters were compared prepost interventional using ANOVAs. Additionally, cognitive load, and prior knowledge in anatomy were surveyed.

Results

After training, the EMME group identified more sonoanatomical structures correctly, and completed the tasks faster than the control group. This effect was partly mediated by a reduction of extraneous cognitive load. Participants with greater prior anatomical knowledge benefited the most from the EMME training.

Conclusion

Displaying experts’ eye movements in medical imaging training appears to be an effective way to foster medical interpretation skills of undergraduate medical students. One underlying mechanism might be that practicing with eye movements reduces cognitive load and helps learners activate their prior knowledge.

Keywords:

• Ultrasound training
• eye movement modeling examples
• eye-tracking
• cognitive load
• prior knowledge

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Dogus Darici

Dogus Darici, M.D., MSc, is a postdoctoral fellow and educational psychologist.

Max Masthoff

Max Masthoff, M.D., MBA is a board-certified radiologist.

Robert Rischen

Robert Rischen, M.D., MSc, is a radiology resident.

Martina Schmitz

Martina Schmitz, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral anatomy fellow.

Hendrik Ohlenburg

Hendrik Ohlenburg, M.D., MME, is a medical educator.

Markus Missler

Markus Missler, M.D., is an anatomy professor.