Does reader visual fatigue impact interpretation accuracy?

Elizabeth A. Krupinski, Kevin S. Berbaum

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

To measure the impact of reader of reader visual fatigue by assessing symptoms, the ability to keep the eye focused on the display and diagnostic accuracy. Twenty radiology residents and 20 radiologists were given a diagnostic performance test containing 60 skeletal radiographic studies, half with fractures, before and after a day of clinical reading. Diagnostic accuracy was measured using area under the proper binormal curve (AUC). Error in visual accommodation was measured before and after each test session and subjects completed the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI) and the oculomotor strain subscale of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before each session. Average AUC was 0.89 for before work test and 0.85 for the after work test, (F(1,36) = 4.15, p = 0.049 < 0.05). There was significantly greater error in accommodation after the clinical workday (F(1,14829) = 7.81, p = 0.005 < 0.01), and after the reading test (F(1,14829) = 839.33, p < 0.0001). SOFI measures of lack of energy, physical discomfort and sleepiness were higher after a day of clinical reading (p < 0.05). The SSQ measure of oculomotor symptoms (i.e., difficulty focusing, blurred vision) was significantly higher after a day of clinical reading (F(1,75) = 20.38, p < 0.0001). Radiologists are visually fatigued by their clinical reading workday. This reduces their ability to focus on diagnostic images and to accurately interpret them.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2010
Subtitle of host publicationImage Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventMedical Imaging 2010: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 17 2010Feb 18 2010

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume7627
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Other

OtherMedical Imaging 2010: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period2/17/102/18/10

Keywords

  • observer performance
  • reader fatigue
  • visual accommodation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Biomaterials

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