Provider visual attention on a respiratory function monitor during neonatal resuscitation

Background A respiratory function monitor (RFM) provides real-time positive pressure ventilation feedback. Whether providers use RFM during neonatal resuscitation is unknown. Methods Ancillary study to the MONITOR (NCT03256578) randomised controlled trial. Neonatal resuscitation leaders at two centres wore eye-tracking glasses, and visual attention (VA) patterns were compared between RFM-visible and RFM-masked groups. Results 14 resuscitations (6 RFM-visible, 8 RFM-masked) were analysed. The median total gaze duration on the RFM was significantly higher with a visible RFM (29% vs 1%, p<0.01), while median total gaze duration on other physical objects was significantly lower with a visible RFM (3% vs 8%, p=0.02). Median total gaze duration on the infant was lower with RFM visible, although not statistically significantly (29% vs 46%, p=0.05). Conclusion Providers' VA patterns differed during neonatal resuscitation when the RFM was visible, emphasising the importance of studying the impact of additional delivery room technology on providers' behaviour.