Effects of an Animated Blood Clot Technology (Visual Clot) on the Decision-Making of Users Inexperienced in Viscoelastic Testing: Multicenter Trial

Background Viscoelastic test–guided coagulation management has become increasingly important in assessing hemostasis. We developed Visual Clot, an animated, 3D blood clot that illustrates raw rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters a user-centered and situation awareness–oriented method. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of Clot by examining its effects on users are novices viscoelastic-guided resuscitation. Methods conducted investigator-initiated, international, multicenter between September 16, 2020, October 6, 5 tertiary care hospitals central Europe. randomly recruited medical students inexperienced resident physicians without significant prior exposure viscoelastic testing. The 7 participants per center managed 9 different ROTEM outputs twice, once as standard tracings corresponding Clot. presented 18 cases asked for their therapeutic decisions. assessed performance, diagnostic confidence, perceived workload managing tasks using mixed statistical models adjusted possible confounding factors. Results Analyzing total 630 results, we found solved more correctly (odds ratio [OR] 33.66, 95% CI 21.13-53.64; P<.001), exhibited confidence (OR 206.2, 93.5-454.75; less (coefficient –41.63; –43.91 –39.36; P<.001) compared tracings. Conclusions emphasizes practical benefit presenting test results way. may allow be involved decision-making process treat bleeding-associated coagulopathy. increased certainty, reduced workload, positive user feedback associated with this visualization promote further adoption methods diverse health settings.