Research performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore suggests eye-tracking devices may indirectly improve outcomes for patients in intensive care units, according to research published in the journal Surgery.
"Eye-tracking devices have been suggested as a means of improving communication and psychosocial status among patients in the [ICU]," wrote the study authors. "This study was undertaken to explore the psychosocial impact and communication effects of eye-tracking devices in the ICU."
The devices have small cameras that followed patients' eye movements, which allows them to communicate by staring at images and words on a computer monitor.
The researchers found all patients who participated in the study were able to communicate basic needs to their nursing staff and family using the devices. Additionally, the device's overall psychosocial impact ranged from neutral to strongly positive for the patients on the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale.
Using the PIADS tool, the researchers also found patients scored well in the categories of competence, adaptability and self-esteem.
"There is a population of patients in the ICU whose psychosocial status, delirium, and communication ability may be enhanced by eye-tracking devices," concluded the study authors. "These three outcomes are intertwined with ICU patient outcomes and indirectly suggest that eye-tracking devices might improve outcomes."
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