Eyes wide open in the intensive care unit (ICU): A scoping review of tools and strategies for situational awareness
Authors' conclusion
Simulation-based interventions and novel technological tools appear most effective in enhancing SA among ICU physicians, whereas CRM and didactic methods yield mixed results. The lack of validated, ICU-specific SA assessment tools represents a critical gap.
Study context
- Population
- Physicians, residents and medical students working in adult ICUs11 studies
- Outcome
- Interventions and assessment methods for situational awareness (SA) and their reported effectiveness
Methodological detailsPRISMA-ScR
- PRISMA-ScR
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Interventions and assessment of SA
- Simulation-based training consistently improved situational awareness (SA) and team co-ordination
- Lecture-based training alone largely ineffective
- Crew resource management courses increased self-reported awareness but had mixed effects on outcomes
- Technological tools (e.g. dashboards, 3D visualisations) showed promise for early recognition of clinical deterioration and decision support
- SA most often assessed with Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT), impractical for real-time ICU use
- 991 records screened
- Methodological quality generally moderate; small samples and heterogeneity limited quantitative synthesis
Original publication
Eyes wide open in the ICU: A scoping review of tools and strategies for situational awareness. Eur J Anaesthesiol Intensive Care. Published 27 April 2026. doi:10.
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