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FAMILY: DENTIST DEVOTES COMPLETE INTERACTION AND FOCUS ON HIS INSTRUMENTS

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This study focuses solely on the interaction between the Dentist and his instruments (i.e. when the dentist is interacting with his tools, and not multitasking to interact with other things such as talking with the patient).


Summary

We are looking at the interactions that the dentist devotes to dealing with his instruments, rather than the patient or other interactions within the context. For example, the dentist spends a considerable amount of time playing, prepping and repositioning instruments demanding his complete attention, in this time the patient seems to be a secondary focus while prepping to complete the particular task (eg examining teeth).


A specific example

In Clip Dentist & DA prepare cold the dentist and his assistant spend a lot of time handling various objects. The assistant grabs an object from a container with a pair of tweezers and then reaches with the other hand to make sure she doesn't drop it. She places the object in her left hand as she repositions herself and the implements in her hand. She then places the object back into the tweezers and hands it to the dentist. The dentist grabs the object with his tweezers and the assistant picks up a can and sprays the object. During this time both the dentist and the assistant handled the object minimally with tweezers and gloves. Although this involves the dentist interacting with the assistant, his focus seems to be aimed towards prepping the object for use.


Another Example

Twelve seconds into Clip Dentist positions X-ray, the dentist reaches behind the patient and himself towards the X-ray machine (positioned off-screen). The dentist then spins the X-ray head around until it is correctly positioned before continuing his examination of the patient. For that brief period of time the dentist must separate himself from the patient and lean over to reach for the machine. Although it appears to be a natural behaviour of spinning around the head until it is positioned correctly, there is a lot of fumbling to position it correctly.


Clips to Watch

• 88: Dentist changes tools - 2.93Mb - This link is broken on the main site! But is the best example as the dentist fumbles with tools as he changes from one to the other in the middle of examining the patient.
• 86: Dentist & DA prepare cold - 1.85Mb - Although the assistant plays a strong role in this clip, there is much focus on the preparations of the object.
• 80: Dentist positions X-ray - 5.15Mb - The dentist leaves patient focus to grab and position x-ray machine before continuing.
• 55: Checking the X-rays - 14.3Mb - For a brief period the dentist uses his x-ray projector to examine the x-ray before explaining it to the patient.
• 52: Dentist Uses Tools - 14.3Mb - Although of lesser relevance, this includes interaction with the computer, which as a tool devotes complete attention.

Describe the context in which these interactions occur

These interactions are confined into the dentist surgery. The context is more specific, relating to the dentist dealing with a patient in the event that he/she requires the instruments to assist his tasks. From observation, the instruments the dentist uses frequently, and are small and portable are positioned in an accessible position to the dentist. Other larger and assembly/preparation required instruments are attached to walls and leverage arms and stored more out of the way, yet still reachable. The room itself is very small, crowded with the three participants (the patient, the dentist, and the assistant). The dentist stays close to the patient with all instruments accessible directly, with limited movement, or passed by the assistant.


Descriptors

• Not looking or talking to patient.
• Complete sole focus on instruments - timely.
• Patient waiting quietly
• Dentist prepping/positioning/handling instruments
• Double handling of instruments
• Dentist body language focused on instruments, turned away from patient

Describe how this kind of interaction works in the context of technology

The dentist relies heavily on the use and accessibility of his instruments. The interaction we focused on is the event of the dentist requiring complete attention and focus on his instruments, halting all other interactions that occur within the context for that brief period of time (eg with the patient, with the assistant, with the computer). The dentist requires interactions with his instruments to successfully do his job. This implies that any technology to be designed or introduced cannot require complete attention, concentration and focus at all times. The dentist also needs to focus his attention elsewhere, such as prepping instruments. Handling instruments also imposes on the context of technology, as the dentist cannot handle both technology and instruments at the same time if both require simultaneous use of his hands. We have assumed that if the interaction is solely with instruments and not the patient, assistant, or other possibilities then nothing should interrupt or impose on this interaction as it is vital to prepare instruments correctly and an interruption may result in a lesser quality of work or may distract and require the dentist to refocus then restart his interactions. There is also a danger of learned automatic behaviour in instrument prepping. This may impose greatly on gesture recognition. Based off our observations there is silence or limited conversation when focus is on these instruments, so voice commands can be useful but further research must go into how this would interrupt what may be vital for focus on prepping instruments. Further study into the vocal interactions in that space will also need to be examined.

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Authors Carla Diercke and Adam Carter

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