Comparing novice and expert nurses in analysing electrocardiographs (ECGs) containing critical diagnostic information : an eye tracking study of the development of complex nursing visual cognitive skills

Examining an ECG visual display with a view to understanding the meanings represented in the display is a precursor to correctly interpreting the display and providing an accurate diagnosis of the medical condition presented in the ECG visual display. Nurse education, both in university and field-placement contexts, places high priority on understanding and applying the meaning of diagnostic information conveyed in visual display formats. Understanding the condition of patients revealed by such displays is a critical factor in determining patient outcomes. A promising feature of eye-tracking technologies and methodologies investigating cognitive processes in diagnostic situations is to examine eye movements as nursing students analyse the information provided in real visual displays.