Eye-tracking technology identifies cognitive gaps between nursing students and clinical experts

A Mississippi State University faculty member and undergraduate researcher are using eye-tracking technology at MSU-Meridian to study how students see, process and respond in high-pressure training scenarios, helping reshape how future healthcare professionals are educated.

"By merging our university's deep-rooted engineering expertise with cutting-edge healthcare simulation, we aren't just teaching clinical skills," said Alaina Herrington, MSU-Meridian director of simulation and clinical affairs. "We are in a unique position to design and build the next generation of medical training tools right here on campus."

Launched in 2025, the research project "Examining Indicators of Visual Attention, Cognitive Workload and Self-Efficacy in Intrapartum and Postpartum Simulation-Based Nursing Training" uses eye-tracking technology to improve clinical outcomes. Jessica Gonzalez-Vargas, an assistant professor with the Bagley College of Engineering's Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, is the project's principal investigator. Kayla Pigott, a senior industrial and systems engineering major from Lake Jackson, Texas, is spearheading data collection through a BCOE undergraduate research grant.

Using Tobii Pro 3 glasses, Pigott monitors pupil dilation, fixation and movement patterns during simulation exercises, comparing students' data with clinical professionals to identify key gaps.

"This allows us to see the difference in how experts track work in the real world, and how students track in simulations," Pigott said.

We can study similar patterns or cognitive workload or eye gazes, which lets us know how proficient students are in a specific procedure before they go into clinicals."

Alaina Herrington, Mississippi State University

 Pigott and Gonzalez-Vargas said they hope this research will garner federal funding to further simulation-based training. Gonzalez-Vargas added that the quality of MSU-Meridian's Interprofessional Simulation Center is exceptional for such data collection.

"I've been working simulations for more than six years, and this facility is a tremendous opportunity for Mississippi State students," she said. "It is a fantastic facility."

Katherine Rigdon, associate teaching professor of nursing, said this research builds confidence in students and translates into positive patient care.

"Tools like eye tracking make a lasting difference in nursing education," she said. "This work allows us to see how students think in critical moments so we can better guide their clinical judgement and enhance their preparedness for patient care."

Pigott presented the first of her findings recently at MSU's Undergraduate Engineering Research Symposium in Starkville and plans to continue data collection with MSU-Meridan.