Impact of Working Experience on Image Perception and Image Evaluation Approaches in Stroke Imaging: Results of an Eye-Tracking Study

Abstract

Purpose Higher rates of missed pathologies, caused by a lack of professional experience or systematic search, suggest that a methodical approach to radiological analysis can be learned. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of different principles of screening stroke CTs for cerebrovascular diseases between radiologists and neuroradiologists with different levels of experience in relation to professional experience. Methods A set of anonymous CT images of 20 patients, with a suspected stroke, was individually presented to 12 radiologists with different levels of professional experience. Meanwhile, their fixation position was recorded by an eye-tracking system. For statistical analysis, the interobserver variability and accuracy of lesion detection were evaluated, taking the individual level of professional experience into account. Results The sensitivity of the observer depends on the professional experience, also determined by a systematic observation sequence and knowledge of the course of the disease. The duration of eye fixation with inexperienced assessors was significantly longer for conspicuous findings, while experienced assessors were more likely to fix clinically relevant regions. The retention time of ocular fixation in important pathological findings did not differ significantly between those groups. Conclusion Our results indicate that experienced radiologists are reducing the number of missed findings through a systematic approach and targeted inspection of important regions. Through raising the awareness of analyzing CT images in systematic patterns, physicians at all levels of experience seem to be able to improve their performance. Key points:  Citation Format