Clinicians’ Visual Attention During Suicide Screening Encounters: An Exploratory Eye-Tracking Study

Eye tracking is recognized as a gold standard for measuring visual attention and cognitive engagement. In this study, it offers a useful lens for understanding how primary care providers balance patient communication with navigation of electronic health records (EHRs). We used wearable eye tracking to collect visual information processing behavior and conducted a retrospective think-aloud protocol to examine how primary care clinicians processed suicide-related information (CAT-MH^®) embedded in the EHR during simulated visits. Eye-movement data showed substantial visual attention directed toward the EHR, indicating added information-processing demands during communication. Retrospective think-aloud data supported the analysis of eye movement data by revealing that clinicians searched multiple record sections to verify risk indicators and often postponed suicide-related discussions until confirming relevant results. These findings illustrate how EHR-embedded screening tools shape clinical attention and encounter flow.