The Eye-tracking technology in the healthcare settings: an observational, cross sectional, multicenter study

Abstract

Successful communication is considered an essential component of the quality of care and safety of the patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Recent technology has provided alternative communication systems, including the Eye-tracking technology, which enables interaction with others in the more advanced stages of the disease. The aim of the study is to investigate patients' difficulties in using the eye tracker, their problem in obtaining the device and the clinical complications resulting from it. A "snowball sampling" method study was conducted from April to September 2020 until sample saturation. The results of the study demonstrate the countless difficulties in obtaining the eye- tracker, with long waiting times, which are not followed by adequate training in its correct use. Among the consequences linked to the use of this device, the most frequent were nystagmus (8.8%), onset of eyelid ptosis (16.2%) and the appearance of increased fatigue. 56.1% of the sample used the eye tracker to surf the Internet whereas 9.1% used it to write e-mails. Overall, the use of the eye tracker led to an improvement in overall quality of life (24%). In Conclusions, the Eye-tracking technology is a valuable device for Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) in ALS patients and can be used with good performance, therefore the need for information, training and improvement on this topic is essential