Visual avatar to increase situational awareness in anaesthesia: Systematic review of recent evidence

Background: Systematic review focuses on the visual patient avatar (VPA) technology, a tool designed to enhance situational awareness in anesthesia by transforming traditional numerical data into intuitive visual displays. Aim: To explore how VPA can improve perceptual performance, reduce cognitive load, and increase user acceptance, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Methods: The review is based on 14 studies conducted between 2018 and 2023 in five different hospitals across Europe. Results: These studies demonstrate that VPA allows clinicians to perceive and recall vital signs more efficiently than conventional monitoring methods. The technology's intuitive design helps reduce cognitive workload, indicating less mental effort required for patient monitoring. Users' feedback on VPA was generally positive, highlighting its potential to enhance monitoring and decision-making in high-stress environments. However, some users noted the need for further development, particularly in visualization design and data integration. Conclusion: Review concludes that VPA technology represents a significant advancement in patient monitoring, promoting better situational awareness and potentially improving safety in perioperative care.