Evaluation of Hands-On Clinical Exam Performance Using Marker-less Video Tracking

This study investigates the potential of using marker-less video tracking for evaluating hands-on clinical skills. Experienced family practitioners attending a national conference were recruited and asked to conduct a breast examination on a simulator that presents different clinical pathologies. Videos were taken of the clinician’s hands during the exam. Video processing software for tracking and quantifying hand motion kinematics was used. Videos were divided into two segments: a general search segment and a mass exploration segment. The general exploration segments exhibited motion patterns which included 72% faster movement and 73% higher acceleration across clinical pathologies. The most complex pathology exhibited 14% greater displacement for pressing/rubbing than for general exploration. Marker-less video kinematic tracking shows promise in discriminating between different examination procedures, clinicians, and pathologies.