An evaluation of eye tracking technology in the assessment of 12 lead electrocardiography interpretation

•Reliable ECG interpretation requires a systematic analysis that uses basic principles, including vector concepts to interpret each ECG until fluency is achieved.•The rhythm strip was the most common lead fixated upon initially during ECG interpretation and students fixated on this lead for the longest duration. Lead I of the ECG was fixated upon for the shortest duration.•The duration of ECG interpretation within this study correlates with diagnostic performance (r = − 0.81) thus supporting the use of ECG interpretation duration as a predictor for accuracy.•Not all students who received feedback using eye tracking indices improved their ECG interpretation. This could be complacency of a participant with their ECG interpretation ability.•We recommend that testing of ECG interpretation competence occurs early within the learning schedule and that learners receive feedback to address their interpretation efforts.

IntroductionThis study investigated eye tracking technology for 12 lead electrocardiography interpretation to Healthcare Scientist students.MethodsParticipants (n = 33) interpreted ten 12 lead ECG recordings and randomized to receive objective individual appraisal on their efforts either by traditional didactic format or by eye tracker software.ResultsOne hundred percent of participants reported the experience positively at improving their ECG interpretation competency. ECG analysis time ranged between 13.2 and 59.5 s. The rhythm strip was the most common lead studied and fixated on for the longest duration (mean 9.9 s). Lead I was studied for the shortest duration (mean 0.25 s). Feedback using eye tracking data during ECG interpretation did not produce any significant variation between the assessment marks of the study and the control groups (p = 0.32).ConclusionsAlthough the hypothesis of this study was rejected active teaching and early feedback practices are recommended within this discipline.