Advancing the total body skin exam through eye-tracking analysis: an observational pilot study
摘要
Currently, there is no standardized method by which the total body skin exam (TBSE) is conducted in dermatologic clinics or taught in medical school or residency programs. There is limited data available that assesses efficiency and comprehensiveness of current exam methods on real patients. This study aimed to evaluate current TBSE procedures using novel eye-tracking technology and provide data to improve efficiency and quality of the skin exam. We conducted an observational pilot study by analyzing eye-tracking data obtained from 2 dermatologists during 9 total body skin examinations. The average TBSE was completed with 78.4% efficiency and 81% comprehensiveness. The head/neck areas took up the largest portion of examination time, while the hands and superior scalp were the most frequently missed areas. There was a significant difference in examination time among the various body parts (p = 0.00*). Limitations include small sample size, inconsistencies in data analysis due to human error, and the potential for Hawthorne bias, as the examiners were aware that their eye movements were being tracked. Variations in TBSE methods produce discrepancies in examination efficiency and comprehensiveness in real-life patients. Eye-tracking technology can be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of TBSE techniques.