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Case Study
Feasibility of utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the cognitive load of paramedicine students undertaking high-acuity clinical simulations in Australia: a case study  
Jason Betson, Erich Christian Fein, David Long, Peter Horrocks
J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2024;21:38.   Published online December 10, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2024.21.38
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  • 2 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Purpose
Paramedicine education often uses high-fidelity simulations that mimic real-life emergencies. These experiences can trigger stress responses characterized by physiological changes, including alterations in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is emerging as a promising tool for assessing cognitive stress in educational settings.
Methods
Eight final-year undergraduate paramedicine students completed 2 high-acuity scenarios 7 days apart. Real-time continuous recording of cerebral blood flow and oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex was undertaken via fNIRS as a means of assessing neural activity during stressful scenarios.
Results
fNIRS accurately determined periods of increased cerebral oxygenation when participants were undertaking highly technical skills or making significant clinical decisions.
Conclusion
fNIRS holds potential for objectively measuring the cognitive load in undergraduate paramedicine students. By providing real-time insights into neurophysiological responses, fNIRS may enhance training outcomes in paramedicine programs and improve student well-being (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12623001214628).

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Effect of repeating simulated high-stress scenario assessments on paramedicine student performance and psychophysiological response
    Jason Betson, Erich C. Fein, David Long, Peter Horrocks
    Interactive Learning Environments.2025; : 1.     CrossRef
  • Relationships between cognitive appraisals of threat and challenge, psychophysiological responses, and clinical performance during high-stress simulated osces
    Jason Betson, Erich C. Fein, David Long, Peter Horrocks
    BMC Medical Education.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

JEEHP : Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions
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