What we do
We use eye tracking technology (wearable glasses or static monitors that record data from eye movements) to explore the visual signal as a tool and brain-computer interface for medical applications. Funded by Academy of Medical Science, EPSRC, NIHR, Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Imperial Health Charity, over the last decade we have developed a comprehensive portfolio of eye tracking research including software analysis tools, analytical machine learning algorithms, a robotic interface, as well as an exhaustive catalogue of medical education applications. We have shown gaze metrics to be a valid and reliable measure of technical skill as well as mental workload during surgery.
Why it is important
Approximately 8-12% of hospital admissions will involve an adverse event resulting in harm to the patient and up to half are thought to be preventable. The operating theatre represents the most high-risk environment in a hospital and recent reports show that the rate of adverse events remains unacceptably high. Eye-tracking technology can provide an innovative solution to improve standards and assessments relating to clinical judgement, systems and team working as well as technical skill.
How it can benefit patients
Computer-assistance is on the path to revolutionise many aspects of modern medicine, including surgery. By understanding the signal that we record from our most important sensory input (vision) we will be able to raise standards of practice and assessment throughout medicine with direct benefit to patients.
Summary of current research
- Procedure Specific Skills Assessment in surgery and endoscopy including in simulated environments
- Error detection (brain-computer interfacing of psychophysical behavioural identification in surgery)
- Non-Procedure Specific Skills Assessment including novel algorithm design for real time analysis and novel analytical concepts
- Multimodal sensing integration with eye tracking data including motion sensors & fNIRS
Additional information
Our researchers
Mr Mikael Sodergren
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Mr Mikael Sodergren
Principal investigator
Dr Simon Erridge
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Dr Simon Erridge
Clinical Research Fellow
Dr George Mylonas
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Dr George Mylonas
Lecturer
Dr Harsimrat Singh
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Dr Harsimrat Singh
Research Associate