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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01509794

Psychophysiological Indicators of Performance in Computer-Based Simulation

As simulation is now used in many post-graduate education and assessment domains, the investigators want to learn about how autonomically engaged healthcare providers are with the investigators computer simulation paradigm. The investigators are interested in the relationship between autonomic arousal (as measured by heart rate variability and galvanic skin response), self-report of engagement, and performance in the simulation and cognitive debriefing.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Postgraduate Medical Education

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthcare provider
  • Right-handed

Exclusion criteria

  • Has a medical condition associated with cardiac arrhythmia
  • Taking medications (such as antiarrhythmic or beta-blocker) that has an effect on heart rate or autonomic function

Treatment and study plan

Low Valence

Other

Participants in the low valence condition will participate in two photo-based simulations: first, an orientation to become familiar with the interface, and then a clinical simulation. Afterward, they will complete a written debriefing followed by an verbal debriefing with a study investigator. They will complete all activities while having their heart rate and galvanic skin response monitored using non-invasive methods.

High Valence

Other

Participants in the low valence condition will participate in two video-based simulations: first, an orientation to become familiar with the interface, and then a clinical simulation. Afterward, they will complete a written debriefing followed by an verbal debriefing with a study investigator. They will complete all activities while having their heart rate and galvanic skin response monitored using non-invasive methods.

Primary outcomes

  1. Engagement with simulation

    Time frame: All data will be collected during the one hour when participants engage in the simulation activities and debriefing.

    Participant engagement with simulation will be measured using physiological measures of heart rate variability and galvanic skin response as well as self-report measures during the verbal debriefing.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cognitive performance

    Time frame: All data will be collected during the one hour when participants engage in the simulation activities and debriefing.

    Cognitive performance will be assessed based on the choices that participants make during the clinical simulation as well as the details that they retain and express during the written debriefing.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Jan 13, 2012
Registry last updated
Mar 29, 2013

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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