Learning and Treatment of Anaphylaxis by Laypeople: A Simulation Study Using Pupilar Technology

Abstract

An anaphylactic shock is a time-critical emergency situation. The decision-making during emergencies is an important responsibility but difficult to study. Eye-tracking technology allows us to identify visual patterns involved in the decision-making. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate two training models for the recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis by laypeople, based on expert assessment and eye-tracking technology. A cross-sectional quasi-experimental simulation study was made to evaluate the identification and treatment of anaphylaxis. 50 subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: three groups watching different training videos with content supervised by sanitary personnel and one control group who received face-to-face training during paediatric practice. To evaluate the learning, a simulation scenario represented by an anaphylaxis' victim was designed. A device capturing eye movement as well as expert valuation was used to evaluate the performance. The subjects that underwent paediatric face-to-face training achieved better and faster recognition of the anaphylaxis. They also used the adrenaline injector with better precision and less mistakes, and they needed a smaller number of visual fixations to recognise the anaphylaxis and to make the decision to inject epinephrine. Analysing the different video formats, mixed results were obtained. Therefore, they should be tested to evaluate their usability before implementation.

ABCDE approach to victims by lifeguards: How do they manage a critical patient? A cross sectional simulation study

“…In addition, it is an evaluation tool that complements the information reported by experts and thus the effectiveness of the training. Recent publications show its effectiveness in assessing or evaluating in simulating scenarios related to anaphylaxis or paediatric trauma [12,25]. In fact, the accuracy of this tool also resulted in it being used in real situations [26].…”

“…To try to understand this decision-making process, the eye-tracking system was reported as a valid and reliable instrument. It is a proven method that has been used in different fields as sports sciences [10,11] or emergencies [12]. In addition, it is considered a great tool that might positively contribute to improving the lifeguards’ skills [13].…”

The role of mobile health technologies in allergy care: An EAACI position paper

“…Currently, mHealth tools are primarily used in patients with anaphylaxis for educational and interventional purposes . Potential stakeholders are patients and patient organizations as well as doctors and allergy organizations.…”

ABCDE approach to victims by lifeguards: how do they manage a critical patient? A cross sectional simulation study

“…Eye-tracking technology was reported as effective instrument in order to complement the simulation training and the subjects performance assessment [20,21]. Recent publications show its effectiveness assessing or evaluating in simulating scenarios related to anaphylaxis or paediatric trauma [12,22]. In fact, the accuracy of this tool also resulted in its using in real situations [23].…”

“…To try to understand this decision-making process, the eye-tracking system was reported as a valid and reliable instrument. It is a proven method that has been used in different fields as sport sciences [10,11] or emergencies [12]. In addition, it is considered a great tool that might positively contribute to improve lifeguards’ skills [13].…”