RecruitingInterventional

Gaze training to improve performance during ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia

This study is exploring how training eye movements, called gaze training, can improve the way anaesthetists perform a specific type of pain relief injection called ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia. This procedure involves using an ultrasound machine to guide a needle safely near nerves to block pain after surgery. It's really important for anaesthetists to be precise to avoid nerve damage. The research wants to compare gaze training with standard learning methods to see if it helps new anaesthetists get better at this skill. Taking part involves one visit to do a simulated task while wearing eye-tracking glasses, and then some training. This study aims to make this important pain relief method even safer for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

12 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

04 Dec 2026

Training and performance in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia among anaesthesia clinicians.

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having an operation, and your anaesthetist wants to give you special pain relief called regional anaesthesia. This involves injecting medicine near nerves to numb a specific part of your body, rather than putting you completely to sleep. To do this safely, they often use a small ultrasound scanner, much like the ones used to see babies during pregnancy, to guide a very fine needle. This guidance helps them place the needle exactly where it needs to be – close to the nerve, but crucially, not touching or damaging it.

Getting this just right is a delicate skill. If the needle isn't guided properly and accidentally pricks a nerve, it could cause lasting problems. That's why it's so important that anaesthetists are very well trained in using ultrasound guidance. This study is trying to find the best way to teach these skills, particularly to newer anaesthetists. They believe that if anaesthetists are trained to control where they look (their 'gaze') during the procedure, it might help them perform the injections more accurately and safely.

The main goal of this study is to see if a special type of training, focusing on eye movements, can help anaesthetists perform these ultrasound-guided injections better compared to simply practising on their own. By improving training methods, the researchers hope to ensure that future patients receiving regional anaesthesia benefit from even safer and more effective pain relief.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make regional anaesthesia safer and more effective.
It's about finding the best teaching methods for anaesthetists using ultrasound.
Participation involves one visit and simulated tasks, not real patients.
Trainee and experienced anaesthetists are invited to take part.
The research focuses on how eye movements can improve surgical skills.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part. The first group is trainee anaesthetists who are just starting their specialised training in the UK. The second group is experienced anaesthetist consultants who regularly perform these types of pain relief injections.

To be included, you must be a qualified doctor and at least 18 years old. For the trainees, you need to be in the first stage of the Royal College of Anaesthetists training programme. For the experienced anaesthetists, you just need to have regular practice with ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia.

You won't be able to take part if you've already had special training in 'gaze training' or used eye-tracking equipment specifically for medical procedures before.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a qualified doctor?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in your first stage of UK anaesthesia training, OR are you a consultant anaesthetist who regularly performs ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia?
Have you *not* had previous special training in 'gaze training' or used eye-tracking for medical procedures?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll come to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for just one visit, which will last about two hours. First, we'll make sure you understand the study and you'll sign a consent form. You'll also fill out some questionnaires about things like how you're feeling, your sleep, and how you see shapes and spaces, to help us understand different factors.

Then, you'll perform a simulated procedure, like an injection, using a bench model (not on a real patient!). During this, you'll wear special glasses that track your eye movements. If you're a new trainee, you'll then be put into one of two groups by chance: either a group that gets the special eye-movement training, or a group that practices on their own. After this, all new trainees will do the simulated task again. Experienced assessors will then look at how well you performed and also analyse your eye movements.

Potential risks and benefits

While participating, you might gain some extra learning and a better understanding of your own skills, but there won't be any direct medical benefits for you personally. The risks of taking part are very small. You might feel a little tired or slightly uncomfortable from wearing the eye-tracking glasses for a short time. Importantly, all the tasks are performed on a practice model and not on real patients, so there's absolutely no medical risk to anyone. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Queen's Medical Centre Campus
City only
Nottingham, England

Common questions

What is 'regional anaesthesia'?

It's a type of pain relief where medicine is injected near nerves to numb a specific part of your body for pain relief, often after surgery.

What does 'ultrasound-guided' mean?

It means doctors use an ultrasound machine, like the ones used for pregnancy scans, to see inside the body and guide a needle safely to the right place.

What is 'gaze training'?

This is a special type of training that focuses on controlling and optimising where a person looks, in this case, to help doctors perform procedures more accurately.

Will I be practicing on real patients?

No, absolutely not. All practice and assessments in this study are done on special models or simulators, not on real people, so there's no risk to patients.

How long will the study take for each person?

Each participant will only need to attend for one visit, which will last approximately two hours.

How to find out more

Osama Natto

OSAMA.NATTO1@nottingham.ac.uk 447949826880 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.